Ward targets Ulster debut

Zac Ward told the Mourne Observer about the challenges of transferring from sevens rugby to 15s, and what he has to do to earn a debut with Ulster.

Zac Ward

IT’S been a whirlwind couple of months for Ballynahinch rugby player Zac Ward, but the former Down High student isn’t getting too carried away and admits he’s still got a lot of learning to do.

Ward impressed many with his performances for the Ireland sevens team at the Paris Olympics in July, earning him a contract with Ulster on a trial basis.

After making two pre-season appearances for Ulster against Benetton and the Exeter Chiefs, the former Ballynahinch RFC man was named in the Emerging Ireland squad that played three games on a tour of South Africa recently.

Emerging Ireland provides players with a pathway into the senior Irish setup and Simon Easterby’s team won all three games of the South African tour, defeating Pumas, Western Force and Free State Cheetahs.

Ward starred in the opening game against Pumas, scoring the opening try, and also featured in the final game of the tour against the Cheetahs.

Speaking to the Mourne Observer after arriving back from South Africa, Ward admitted he’s had quite a rise since July, but he isn’t feeling any pressure.

“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind, there’s a lot going on, a lot of positive stuff.

“There’s been very little pressure with a lot of it, obviously there was a lot of pressure at the Olympics, but since then it hasn’t been as highly pressurised, it’s been a lot more enjoyable.

“Richie (Murphy, Ulster head coach) and Simon (Easterby, Emerging Ireland head coach) have both said to me, ‘Don’t be putting yourself under pressure’, they just want me to go out, see how I go, see how I feel and enjoy it, and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing.”

Read the full story to find out the targets that Zac has been set to get closer to an Ulster debut.