Ulster Rugby v Connacht

J A C O B S T O C K D A L E

“It’s over three months since my injury and I’m really excited to be out on the pitch this weekend against Connacht,” says Jacob Stockdale, in anticipation of his first appearance of the season. RARING TO GO

“The more you play, whether at PRO14, European or International level, the more you realise that you’re not the finished article. There are always going to be guys who are better than you at certain things but it’s about making sure you are racing against yourself, making yourself better and not worrying about other guys.” As a self-proclaimed perfectionist himself, Stockdale admits that he’s enjoying the detailed and technical approach of new Head Coach Dan McFarland: “I really like Dan’s philosophy in coaching; that everyone needs to know their stuff and do their stuff well. He brings a lot of enthusiasm into his coaching and gets the guys excited to play rugby, which is the most important thing.” With Connacht smarting from a 3-20 reversal at the hands of Leinster last weekend, the 22-year-old is not expecting an easy return to PRO14 action, and is wary of the threat the Galway-based side will pose. “It will be tough, as all inter-pros are,” he said. “These games bring a natural edge with them, a higher intensity of play. “Connacht attack very well and have a really good structure. Their forwards get into position very well and run really good lines. They are never easy to defend against as they are unpredictable and can do anything on the night. It will be a big test for the team, and for me personally.”

The Ulster and Ireland winger has been sidelined since picking up a hamstring injury during the summer, but has worked extremely hard to return for what is a crucial time for the Province. “The injury has given me the chance to get myself in good shape and to recover from a long season,” says Stockdale, who enjoyed a breakthrough season at international level that saw him win the Six Nations Player of the Championship award. “I’m back down to earth after last season, a few months stuck in a gym underground will do that,” he joked, while reflecting on the last campaign. “I’ve worked hard to get fitter, stronger and faster than I would have been able to if I’d gone straight back into rugby. Obviously, I would rather have been out playing matches every week, not sitting on the sidelines, but there are positives you can take from it.” When asked whether he feels any pressure to repeat last season’s exploits, the Lisburn man says his focus is on making day-to-day improvements to his game… “To be honest, I try not to think about it too much. Last year, I set my goals at the start of the season and one was to get on the bench for a Six Nations game. It panned out differently so you just don’t know how it’s going to go, but my aim is to focus on getting better every week, every time I step on the pitch - that’s the mentality I’ve always tried to play with.

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