Zebre v Ulster: 'I carry a bit of hurt around with me' - hooker Tom Stewart

Tom Stewart looks dejected after Ulster's 15-10 URC quarter-final defeat by Connacht in May

Ulster hooker Tom Stewart says the disappointment of last season's heartbreaking URC quarter-final defeat by Connacht will spur him on to greater efforts in the forthcoming campaign.

Ulster face Zebre in Parma on Saturday in their opening URC game of 2023-24, having had five and a half months to reflect on that loss in Belfast in May.

"It's been put to bed, but for me I always need to carry a bit of hurt in my head about how we went out last season. Hopefully it will spur me and the rest of the boys on," said Stewart.

"But we have new goals, new targets, and new ways of achieving those so that's what we'll be kicking on to do this season."

The 22-year-old captains Ulster this weekend, with the URC season starting later than in previous years because of the Rugby World Cup.

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Stewart was part of an extended 42-man Ireland squad for a summer training camp and World Cup warm-up matches, before failing to make Andy Farrell's final party of 33 which contested the tournament in France.

He made his international debut as a replacement during the second half of a 33-17 win over Italy in August and then started the final warm-up fixture against Samoa three weeks later.

The Ulster hooker believes the experience was a positive learning one.

"From a younger player's perspective it was beneficial to observe the professionalism of how the older players went about their business," explained Stewart.

"Focusing on my body, getting myself prepared for games, but also for training sessions and everything we do in between and leading up to the games."

'We need to grow together'

Stewart enjoyed a hugely successful breakthrough season with Ulster last term, putting in consistently impressive performances and scoring a record 16 tries in the United Rugby Championship, including two hat-tricks.

"I had a good season last season and I'm delighted with how that went, but my main focus is on keep working on everything I can, keep developing the other parts of my game and pushing everyone around me," he said.

"I'm in a good environment around me. The boys I'm with will spur me on and hopefully I'll spur them on. We all strive for the one collective goal and that's to win the championship.

"There's a core leadership group, but as a collective we need to grow together and all become a bit more of a leader in every way - everyone just owning those responsibilities and stepping forward together.

"We need to start as we mean to go on this season."

Stewart's primary rival for the number two shirt with Ulster will again be Rob Herring, who was part of the Ireland squad at the World Cup.

"Hopefully Rob and I can keep pushing each other. We have built up a really good relationship and hopefully I can keep kicking at his heels," explained Stewart.

"The more competition the better and whatever will be will be. I think the individual pushes the collective."