JOE has always had a bit of a soft spot for Paddy Jackson. Particularly since this happened…
The fly-half hasn’t had the best of times of late; his Ulster side have lost their opening two Champions Cup games and he was also omitted from Ireland’s Autumn international squad.
However, he was in great form when JOE (thanks to Ulster Rugby partners BT Ireland) had a little chat with him.
Hi Paddy, how is the mood in the Ulster camp at the moment?
Hi JOE. I’ve just arrived in from training and everyone is in a good mood and we are very positive. We’re hoping to build up a bit of momentum after a good win against the Dragons last week and we’ll try to bring that sort of form into our next couple of games and push on.
That win came on the back of a disappointing performance against Toulon. Where do Ulster go from here after losing their opening two European Rugby Champions Cup games?
We have to pick up wins. We have left ourselves in a tough position and the only way we’re going to get back into contention is with wins. We will do our best to claw our way back.
What is team’s aim for the season?
You always want to win a trophy, so hopefully we can end the season with some silverware.
At the end of the month you travel to Thomond Park to face Munster. Do the inter-provincial games carry a little bit of extra pressure?
They definitely do. You’re playing against guys who are competing with you for places at a national level so there is an added intensity and a bit more expectation there. You really have to be on top of your game.
Speaking of the national side, did you manage to catch Ireland’s game against Georgia at the weekend? Thoughts?
I did. It was a good performance. It was great to see Stuart Olding get over the line for his first international try. He has been in fantastic form for Ulster lately and it’s great to see him doing it on the international stage.
Georgia were a tough side to break down, but it’s always hard to break down sides like that in the opening thirty minutes. The lads did well to pull away in the second half and finish the job.
Was it tough not being involved?
It definitely was. I’ve just got to keep my head down and work as hard as I can and hopefully I’ll be involved again by the time the Six Nations comes around. There are a lot of games to be played before then so I’ll do my best to impress.
BT Ireland are currently offering young rugby players the chance to take part in a kicking competition at half-time of Ulster’s game against Munster in May. Do you have any advice for budding outhalves?
When I was young I was mad to play all sports whether it be soccer or rugby and I think you can benefit from playing as much sport as possible. Many skills are transferable.
Regarding goal kicking, I wasn’t the biggest growing up so I wasn’t always great with range. So I started close to the posts and got my strike right, then slowly moved out and the range eventually came.
JOE is off home to try a few five yard penalties…
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