Ulster Rugby vs Leinster

FAREWELL BIG NICK! From humble beginnings Nick Williams has gone on to become one of the standout performers and most recognisable characters in the Guinness PRO12. Hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, Nick

now, which is really cool. When we had the wedding my family couldn’t really understand them. It’s been an absolute ball. You have seen a lot of change during your time at Ulster. Can you give us your thoughts on how Ulster Rugby was when you arrived, how it has changed during your time, and the position that the club is now in? NW: I guess when I arrived we had a lot of experienced players, the likes of Johann Muller, John Afoa, big Stevie Ferris, Tom Court, so there was a good core of players here who could actually run the cutter which made it a lot easier for me coming in. Obviously over the years players come and go, and I think the club are probably in a bit of a transition phase at the moment. We’re obviously disappointed that we didn’t get through in the Champions Cup but such is life. I look at it now with Les being here and I can see nothing but positive things coming towards Ulster. Sometimes it’s difficult for the fans who want success immediately, but the rewards that the team will reap should be here soon. The facilities here are world class. I’m coming from New Zealand where rugby is the number one sport and some of the facilities don’t even come close to this, so we have got to count our blessings. You became an immediate fan favourite with the Ulster supporters – is that something that you noticed right away? NW: I knew I had something to prove. I came off the end of a few questions, a few doubts about me. I guess that’s what fuelled me. I kind of fell out of love with the game a wee bit when I was over in Italy, probably enjoying the lifestyle a bit too much, but as soon as I came here I knew I had to tighten up my act and play for something, firstly for my family and secondly for the Ulster supporters and I’d like to think that I’ve done that. I look back on it now and it’s amazing how family fuels you. When I finish rugby I know I won’t

made a name for himself at Auckland Blues and represented New Zealand at U21 and Junior All Black level, before moving to Europe in 2008 to join Munster. In his first season he helped the Southern Province secure the PRO12 title in his debut season. After two years at Munster, Nick moved to Italy and spent a further two years at Aironi before returning to Ireland and joining Ulster in June 2012. Nick became an immediate sensation at Ulster and was awarded PRO12 Player of the Year in his first season. The big number 8 has continued to be the driving force of Ulster’s pack, his uncompromising style making him a favourite among the terraces of Kingspan Stadium. After four outstanding seasons at Ulster, Nick Williams will move on to Cardiff Blues for the 2016/17 season. We caught up with Nick during the week to get his views on his time here in Ulster. You have played rugby all over the world. How has your time at Ulster compared? NW: It’s definitely up there. I suppose the big difference of my time at Ulster compared to other places has been my family life, I’ve got a wee family of my own now. I’ve come to realise if my family is happy then I’ll be playing well on the paddock. I think that’s showed over the time that I’ve been here. The people have been great to us and we’ve really made it our home this past four years. We got married in our back yard. I’ve got a decent back yard that opens up to Helen’s Bay beach, and we probably got the one good day of summer. My family came all the way from New Zealand up here. I told some of my mates I’m having a beach wedding in Northern Ireland and they had a good laugh, but we were able to pull it off. So your family have enjoyed their time here in Ulster? NW: We’ve absolutely loved it. Everything has been awesome… apart from the weather! My two little daughters have got Belfast accents

NICK WILLIAMS

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