Ulster Rugby vs Newport Dragons

Kyle’s brother Zach is another McCall to watch as he’s part of the Ulster Sub-Academy – and, surprise, surprise, a prop! “We actually played together for Ballynahinch against Queen’s in November, and that’s something we will remember, and maybe we’ll do that again in another jersey!” he ponders with an engaging smile. “As a group we’re really disappointed we didn’t make the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup, but we have a six-week block of PRO12 games which we really must make work for us, a play- off spot is the target and we need to perform.” He agrees Les Kiss’ arrival as Director of Rugby was refreshing, that he was ‘a new face’ who brought energy and gave the whole squad a boost, but he believes that the improved form from November, and some superb results in Europe – particularly against Toulouse home and away – was always “bubbling away, just ready to come out” and he is in no doubt that the future, immediate and longer-term, will bring trophies to Kingspan Stadium. “We’re going to have a real ‘go’ at the PRO12 this season, and what’s being built at Ulster is definitely going to deliver in the next few years. The fans have been great, but they do want something tangible and the players feel more than ever that we are on the right track, with the right people in charge,” he says. “For myself I just want to keep enjoying playing rugby, hopefully for the senior team as often as possible, but I always keep reminding myself that for the club and for me as an individual it’s about stepping stones: learning more each day, each game, developing and growing in confidence. “Ulster is the club I aspired to play for since I was a youngster, it’s where I want to stay, because I know some great things are going to happen here, that we’ll build the squad, improve what we have, and compete at the very highest level.” Kyle McCall, the prop forward built-for-purpose, readies himself for an afternoon session in the gym, he looks happy: “I enjoyed that chat, see you around.” And he’s already checking his kit as he leaves the room heading for more ‘building’.

“TOME IT’S ALL ABOUT STEPPING STONES, TO GROW

INTO THE BEST I CAN BE, AND I CERTAINLY WANT TO DO THAT IN AN ULSTER JERSEY”

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