Ulster Rugby v Connacht

with Rainey Old Boys in Magherafelt, where he oversees the backs. Balancing both playing and coaching can be a challenge but, as Luke notes, it also offers huge rewards. “After an intense Tuesday training session here at Kingspan Stadium, sometimes the thought of heading off to coach can be a bit of a challenge. If training has been particularly tough, the last thing I want to do is jump in the car and travel an hour to Magherafelt, but when I get there that all changes. I really love the coaching. It’s great craic and a welcome relief from the stresses of the professional game. “Stepping from the professional environment into the amateur environment is refreshing as it helps me to refocus and take a more strategic view of the game. I think coaching has helped me to improve my own rugby. When coaching, I have to look at the game and various positions from a wider perspective, which has helped me to develop a stronger knowledge of the game and that can only be a good thing. “It can be tempting to complain about early starts or the sacrifices required of a professional rugby player, but then you meet guys playing for their local club. Guys who are so passionate about the sport and manage to balance full time, 9 to 5 jobs with a family, two hours training on Tuesday and Thursday nights and Saturday matches that might take them away from their families for another day or two. Their appetite for the game and determination to play reminds me how lucky I am to have the chance to play rugby at a professional level and that helps spur me on to do better.” Ulster have made a good start to the competitive season delivering the sort of rugby sure to embolden even the most dispirited fan, but a lot can change within a few weeks. Luke is aware of the need to focus on short-term improvements in order to reap long term rewards. “My first priority is to gain a regular place in the team. As I’ve said, competition for a place is crazy as there are a lot of great players around and more good players coming through the Academy, so my focus, first and foremost, is to do the best I can to stand out and get that regular spot. If I’m achieving that and playing good rugby it will hopefully put the squad in a good position to continue bringing home the wins and it might also bring more opportunities for me to represent Ireland.”

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