Ulster Rugby vs Edinburgh

STUART OLDING CENTRE OF ATTENTION

Midway through the second half in Ulster’s opening PRO12 match of the season, an elderly Scarlets fan could be heard saying what many around him had already concluded – ‘that 12 can play’.

The 12 in question was Stuart Olding. The stats from that match back up the fact that he had returned to the Ulster starting line up in style. Ten defenders beaten, 13 carries with a gain of 60 metres – a remarkable comeback game from a player whose last competitive game for Ulster was in October 2013. “It was a long time since I played,” says Stuart. “I was just eager to get back and play better than I had before. We had a good start against Scarlets and I am just

Olding has played outhalf, fullback and inside centre for Ulster in his 22 appearances for Ulster so far. Now, he says, it’s time to settle on one position:

STUART OLDING

“Long term I would like to settle in 12,” says the ex BRA pupil. “When I was a bit younger I used to say that I would play anywhere and that would give me a different perspective on the pitch, but I think within the next

season or two I want to tie down a starting position

thankful that the rehab went well and my recovery has been good. I am glad to be back.” With the best part of a year on the

and then become the best player that I can in there.”

It seems strange to say so early in the season, but

sidelines, you could forgive the 21 year- old for getting down hearted. Having made such an impact in his first full season of first team involvement he missed both matches and the

ultimately the next four matches could have a significant bearing on Ulster’s success this year.

chance to nail down a starting place. He says: “The worst thing was watching the games and knowing that there wasn’t anything that I could do about it. Not being able to do what you have been able to do your whole life was pretty strange. It was quite slow and tedious at the start of the rehab, but you just have to let the cuts heal and allow the graft to heal too. From there the medical staff just kept the process fresh and new. “Despite being out for so long, I really enjoyed the rehab because I knew from the stats that I was going to come back stronger and better – everything went really well and I was full of confidence coming back onto the pitch.”

“We have four massive games coming up - Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leicester and Toulon,” Stuart says. “Hopefully everybody can stay fit and stay competitive and we can get the best out of each other. It would be great to be involved in all four matches and then push on from there.” There is no doubt that Stuart will be involved. Still just 21, he is rock solid in defence and devastating in attack. There is little doubt that he has a massive future in the game for

his Province and for Ireland. Just ask that Scarlets fan.

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ULSTER RUGBY

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