6
ULSTER
RUGBY
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
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
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
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.”
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:
“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
and then become the
best player that I can in
there.”
It seems strange
to say so early in
the season, but
ultimately the next
four matches
could have a
significant
bearing on
Ulster’s
success this
year.
“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.
STUART
OLDING
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’.
