Old friends relishing the 'big stage' at Ulster

Ben Carson has scored three tries in three Ulster starts this season

While Ulster's backline had something of an unfamiliar look during their United Rugby Championship [URC] defeat to Leinster on Friday night, some of the main protagonists could hardly be better acquainted.

Ben Carson, who scored two tries in the 27-20 reverse, grew up playing with his centre partner Jude Postlethwaite at Lisburn RFC minis, while he played all of school rugby alongside Nathan Doak at Wallace High School.

"I have known Jude since I was four years old," said Carson.

"I went to primary school with him, played Lisburn minis, played with him at Banbridge and we have been best mates ever since we were younger.

"'Doaky', I have known since I was about 10 years old. We went to Wallace together so it is just brilliant growing up and playing on the big stage with them, it was great."

Carson was the last of the childhood friends to make his senior bow when he played and scored against the Bulls in October.

He admits there were some doubts the day would come.

"We always hoped it would, but at the back of my mind there were doubts some times, but it is class that we're here now and playing together."

Despite Carson's try-scoring double, the second created by a Postlethwaite offload read perfectly, the experience was soured by Ulster surrendering a second-half lead to lose to their Irish rivals who were shorn of the majority of their Irish internationals.

"We are obviously really disappointed because we back ourselves to beat anyone," Carson added.

"That was a good Leinster side out there. Everyone goes on about a Leinster B team, but it doesn’t matter. They are still a brilliant side."

After four defeats from seven URC games, Ulster now prepare to face holders Toulouse in their Champions Cup opener at the Stade Ernest-Wallon on Sunday.

Should he feature, it would be a European debut for Carson.

"It is going to be tough but hopefully the weather is going to be better. We like to play a good brand of rugby and a nice dry ball is always a bonus.

“We're going over to Toulouse with the full expectation of winning, like we do every game and we're excited."

Ulster's raft of injuries

Ulster have suffered a raft of injuries in the back-three this season and look to have a particular shortage of fit wings going into the European opener.

Robert Baloucoune has not featured during this campaign while Jacob Stockdale suffered what was described by Richie Murphy as a "significant" hamstring injury when representing Ireland against Fiji last month.

Werner Kok and Ben Moxham both were forced off against Leinster with Ulster ending the game with number eight Nick Timoney on the wing.

While a full European debut for Irish Olympian Zac Ward is a possibility, the return of Stuart McCloskey from Ireland duty could allow one of Carson or Postlethwaite to move to the wing.

"I have played on the wing a few times at Ballynahinch," said Carson.

"I am happy to play anywhere the team needs me and I'm sure Jude is as well. If they want to put me on the wing I’m ready to go."