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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”