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JACOB STOCKDALE
JACOB STOCKDALE
“Looking back on the last year, it has been
absolutely phenomenal, from the opportunity
to further develop with Ulster and then to be
selected for Ireland is incredible and I have loved
every single minute of it.
“The Irish starting team was named after our
second training session together so I was still
learning the calls when finding out that I was
going to be starting against the USA – it was
incredibly exciting but also nerve-racking.
Thankfully I was able to set the
nerves aside and just focus on
my rugby.
“As a result of the opportunity to
train with and represent Ireland
on tour, I feel a better player and
more like a leader in the Ulster
team rather than someone
trying to catch up. Joe Schmidt
is a brilliant coach, I took a lot
from him, as well as from Ronan
O’Gara and Felix Jones.”
Having been given the
opportunity to play for Ireland
in Japan, Stockdale now has
the hunger to return when the Rugby World Cup
visits in 2019.
“Being part of the international setup and getting
to put on the green jersey is something really
special, something that when you get it, you want
it again and again. Japan was an awesome place
to go and I would love to have the opportunity
to travel again with the Ireland squad, which is
why I’ve been working really hard to improve my
game.
“Everyone has got weaknesses to their game and
Joe suggested that I should focus on improving
my defence so that was the focus for me during
the pre-season. Rugby has evolved over the years
and the skills required of a winger have changed.
Nowadays you have to be an all-rounder, you
can’t just be the fast guy who can score tries
so that’s what I’m trying to become, a better all
rounder.”
The recent changes to the Ulster coaching
structure have seen a greater emphasis on the
involvement of the whole squad rather than
the match day 23, with the view of creating a
more cohesive approach and providing greater
encouragement for all members
of the squad.
“Ulster is blessed with some
of the most exciting backs in
European rugby and it’s good
to be in the mix with guys
like Charles (Piutau), Andrew
(Trimble), Tommy (Bowe) and
Craig (Gilroy) who challenge you
to continually push yourself and
step up. I’m a strong believer
in the notion that competition
breeds success. We all try to
push each other as hard as we
can in training so that when
it gets to the game it feels easier. No game is a
breeze but the strong competition and support
network helps get you through it.
“The game last Friday against the Scarlets really
demonstrates how important the whole team
are, with guys like John Andrew coming on and
scoring a try in the 76th minute, you are able to
see the impact our subs made. When they came
on they really raised the tempo of the game. As a
player, whether you’re starting or on the bench,
you know you’re still an integral part of the squad.
Success or failure does not come down to any
one individual but rests on the effort of the whole
squad.”
Having recently returned from Ireland’s summer tour of the USA and Japan,
where he earned his first international caps, Jacob quickly settled back into
the Ulster camp and was named in the starting lineup against both Treviso and
the Scarlets. We took a moment to chat to Jacob on his whirlwind year and
the opportunity to play rugby at international level.