Ulster Rugby vs Newport Gwent Dragons

LOUIS LOOKS TO THE SKY

AWESOME is a word which features regularly in the conversation with one of Ulster’s summer recruits, but it could also be used to describe his own contribution to the team so far this season...

Ludik shares the disappointment of fans at the recent reverses in Europe at Leicester and at home to Toulon, but he genuinely believes there are real positives which can be taken from the performances… “Of course we didn’t get the results we wanted and worked very hard for, but we showed in both games, against clubs which have great European pedigree, that we can match them. For instance, in terms of getting and keeping possession our forwards did a fine job, matching Leicester and Toulon. Where we fell down was, perhaps, in not being as clinical as we’d like, but no way do I think that Champions Cup qualification to the ‘quarters’ is beyond us.” A recurring theme of Ludik’s early reflections on his first term at Ulster is the electricity he feels running out in front of the Kingspan Stadium fans. “It is awesome and last Saturday, for the game against Toulon, the supporters were terrific, as they always are, but it was an occasion which I want to see and experience again.” Ludik feels Toulon is effectively an international club team, a side packed with players “who are, or have been, recognised as the best in the world in their positions.” Steffon Armitage’s contribution to the French win last weekend was one which particularly caught his eye, and as a keen student of the game he already feels that he, James O’Connor, Matt Giteau and Bryan Habana are super athletes, but not supermen. “When we travel to France we’ll have a game plan which all the coaches and players will have bought into, and individually I really think we know we can win there. But it’s more important to deal with the PRO12 now, and particularly the Dragons this weekend. “With so many boys away with Ireland, evidence of how far Ulster has come, we’ll have some guys getting a chance to put up their hands for a place in the side.” He agrees that in the absence of some of the most familiar names – like Best, Bowe, Gilroy, and Henry for instance – there is an expectation that experienced players like him, lock van der Merwe and prop Herbst will take on leadership roles throughout the autumn internationals. “Yes, I think that’s right, and with our experience and by our example we should be leaders in a team which is, in a way, already packed with leaders. We’re all expected to take responsibility for ourselves and each other, and Franco, Wiehahn and I know that we’ve been brought here to take the initiative. I’ll relish that!” says the full-back, who can also be employed right across the backline. And if there’s one thing which is really different about playing for Ulster? “Well, particularly when I was playing for the Sharks, there was not as much kicking in the game. Now I know I have to be alert and looking up for that high ball, and it’s something I work on a lot. It’s a big part of the PRO12 game, and in Europe generally now - It’s yet another challenge, and I like those!”

Louis Ludik arrived at Kingspan Stadium somewhat of an unknown quantity, though his time spent in the highest levels of French and South African rugby hinted he was a proven performer. The 28-year-old full back has blended seamlessly into the fabric of the Ulster Rugby squad, his reliability and his taste for invention matched only by a work ethic which each day impresses… “It really has been awesome here since I arrived, the stadium, the coaches, the atmosphere on matchdays, it’s all been more than I could have imagined,” says the South African. “I really enjoy the training, it’s hard work and I like it that way. The whole squad has a spirit which you just can’t put into words, and the coaching is as good as anything I’ve come across – even better to be truthful. “Wiehahn Herbst, Franco van der Merwe and I knew what a top Province Ulster was, and we were all eager to be part of a project which was to make it an even more successful side. Also with Ruan Pienaar already here and committing to a new contract, the attraction was overwhelming for us all, but for me personally it was particularly exciting. I’d played in France, and I’d enjoyed my time with the Natal Sharks, of course, but the challenge of Europe and the PRO12 with the group here in Belfast was one I really looked forward to with genuine excitement.” Louis has played a prominent attacking part in Ulster’s good form in the Guinness PRO12 this season, a tournament he believes is as competitive as he’s experienced in the northern or southern hemisphere. “The teams in the league are really professional and highly-skilled, and there are just no easy games. Each time we play you have to be totally focussed and ready to play at your best, and for me, that is just what I want. The PRO12 demands a lot from players and the coaches, and that’s why it’s key that the squad – not just the matchday 23 – be prepared. “We have a great pool of players at Ulster, and it’s a good mix of local talent and of recruits like me. When I look around in training and see what youngsters like Stuart Olding and Stuart McCloskey are capable of it’s almost frightening, but it’s really a fantastic sign of the future. “I don’t envy the coaches in their selection job for each match, because in every position you can see that there are really gifted players in the side, all competing to be picked. It’s not just something I would say easily, but this Ulster squad is brimming over with talent and the set-up is geared to making sure the best young players from here are brought into the system early and developed. “I don’t take a place in the side for granted, and I like the fact that I am being ‘pushed’ each day and in every match by a lot of guys who could step in and perform to the standard demanded by the coaching team. You just have to hope that your best is good enough at any moment in time, and that barring injuries you can maintain your form.”

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