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43
ULSTER
RUGBY
LOUIS
LOOKS TO THE SKY
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.”
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!”
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...
