Ulster Rugby vs Cardiff Blues

WILLIAMS READY FOR TONIGHT’S 'EMOTIONAL' RETURN TO BELFAST

Former Ulster fan favourite Nick Williams says his old teammates will be 'enemies on the pitch, brothers off it' when he returns to Kingspan Stadium for the first time with Cardiff Blues.

After four years at Ulster, the big number 8 joined the Welsh outfit last summer and has continued his impressive form with them, scoring 3 tries in his 15 appearances this season. While Ulster are currently pursuing the PRO12 play-offs, the focus for Cardiff is on securing their place in next season's Champions Cup. The first part of that challenge comes tonight when Williams and his colleagues pitch up in Belfast… "It will always be a special place for me and my family," said Williams, reflecting on his time here. "We have some fond memories and made some good mates, so it's going to be a bit emotional." Williams admits that he continues to follow the results of Les Kiss' side and keeps in touch with a large section of the squad, but insists he will be entirely focused on his task at hand come 7.35pm. "I think it's natural to keep an eye on the boys' results, having been there for a long time. I look to see how they're going and I keep in contact. I caught up with a few of the boys when they played Dragons a couple of weeks ago so the bond is very much there.

the atmosphere again. That's what makes the game - the supporters. I was enjoying myself (at Ulster) and I think that showed. I've had to move across the water - my professional life lies very much here in Cardiff - but I'm really excited to come back and get out in front of the crowd once again." While Williams clearly misses Belfast and its people, he has unsurprisingly settled well into his new surroundings. "It has gone really well. We've a lot of friends in the mainland which makes a difference. It's been a really smooth transition off the field which, to me, matters the most." On the field of play it has been a mixed season for the Blues, and a 46-26 defeat versus Gloucester on Saturday ended their Challenge Cup hopes for this season, a result that left Williams feeling hugely frustrated. "We played well at times but we are our own worst enemies - the last 25/30 minutes we went into our shell and didn't play to plan A or plan B. They obviously capitalised on that with some good performances by a few ex-Ulster boys, John Afoa and Paddy McAllister. Now we have to pick ourselves up for Friday night."

WELCOME BACK NICK!

"We will be enemies on the pitch, but brothers off it. As soon as we cross that white line we'll be gunning for each other but as soon as the ref blows the whistle on 80 minutes I'm sure it will be hugs all round." Williams also got to know the Ulster fans well during his time here, and he was quick to offer praise for the Kingspan Stadium faithful when asked about his return… "It will be great to be back and experience

Having won at Thomond Park earlier this season, Williams says Cardiff will have belief that they can produce a similar result at Kingspan Stadium. "When you go away, if you don't think you're going to win you are half way there to losing already. The expectation that the Ulster boys have, and the crowd has, will put the pressure on them. "We can come over and just enjoy it, and hopefully I can get one over on my old mates."

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