Munster beware

The 25-year-old is now looking forward to the quarter-final clash with Munster in April and says the squad are confident they can go to Limerick and get a result.

It’s a trip few teams relish, but following their narrow defeat at the weekend to a team who haven’t lost at home for 38 games, the Ulstermen won’t fear playing anywhere.

“Games with Munster are always massive so it will be a great atmosphere when we meet. It’s a great chance and one we really have to focus on in a bid to reach the last four,” said Ian.

“We have a great squad and I believe we can beat anybody on our day, but that is the key. You have to get it right when the challenge comes along.”

Ian took his chance to impress after being called up for the injured Darren Cave for the battle in France. Despite losing 19-15, Ulster were already through before a ball was kicked because of results the night before.

“Our target all along was to go to France and win. We were not concerned about the other games,” added Ian. “The fact it worked out like that did not effect our performance. They have a great record at home but the match was there for the taking. If one or two situations had have gone our way then it would have all been so different. However, we did secure the bonus point which meant we reached the quarters on our own steam.”

Ian said the Stade Marcel Michelin provided an atmosphere he had never experienced before. “It was incredible. The whole town must have been out. They really kept the noise levels up for the whole match and it was quite intimidating to play in, but we had a go.

“I suppose in the game they got away with a few things, but we can still take confidence from a good performance and now aim for the last four.”

Ian is one of four players in the Ulster squad with Lisburn connections. He is joined by Chris Henry and Nevin Spence, former Wallace pupils and Stephen Ferris, a past pupil of Friends.

“It’s great to have so many from here playing for Ulster and we have a bit of banter,” added Ian. “With three of us old Wallace boys we would love to see them win the Schools Cup - maybe this will be the year.”