Ulster Rugby vs Treviso

ANDREWWARWICK: SPORT & FAME RUNS IN THE FAMILY

You would think that being an Ulster player would make Andrew Warwick the most successful sportperson in his family, but his slightly older cousin Jonathan has just become a world champion.

ANDREW WARWICK

players are aiming to bounce back after the defeat to Scarlets in West Wales: “It has been two weeks since we played. We are well rested and well prepped for the game on Friday. We started the PRO12 season really well with the win over Ospreys. Hopefully the Scarlets game is just one of those games that we learn from quickly and move on. It’s great to be back at Kingspan Stadium with this game against Treviso and hopefully we will get a big win. Warwick is fully aware of the challenge that Treviso pose – especially up front: He says: “They are a big pack and they like to scrum a lot longer than other teams so that’s something we have been preparing for in training. Their line out is solid – they win most of their own ball. We hope to get up and nick a few of theirs and win our own.” Andrew has started both of Ulster’s games so far – a run that he is keen to continue: “It is great to be starting a few games. Hopefully I can keep competing for that starting space. Callum (Black) is a great player. My aim is to try my best and keep in front while I am wearing that 1 jersey. “Scrums went well me for me last year but my big aim was to get around the pitch a bit better, maybe make an odd carry and make all my tackles. This was my first big pre-season and that has helped my fitness. I’m more confident and I’m improving each week.” If he keeps improving the way he has been, Jonathan Rea’s position as most famous sportsperson in the Warwick / Rea family will be under threat.

A fortnight ago Jonathan Rea became FIM World Superbike Champion at Jerez on his WSBK Kawasaki bike: “He’s definitely a lot more famous than me!” concedes Andrew. “He’s world champion and he has done so well this season. He has won a lot of races and been in pole position in many of those. It’s been pretty impressive by him and there are still two more races to go. “When we were young we played in each others gardens. I was out with his younger brother Richard and we were riding one of Jonathan’s scramblers. I tried to hit a jump and I landed on my head! I decided that was the end of my bike career! Everyone in the family is really proud of Jonathan, it’s great to see. The support that he had in Jerez was unreal.” Andrew will be looking for similar passionate support when he runs out against Treviso. It has been a mixed start for the team but he says the

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