Ward 'not really thinking' about Ireland call-up
Ward scored a try in a man-of-the-match display against the Dragons on 27 September
- Published
Ulster wing Zac Ward insists he is "not really thinking about" a potential Ireland call-up as he prepares to face a Bulls side loaded with Springboks in Belfast on Saturday (19:45 BST).
Former Ireland Sevens star Ward started his first full season in the 15s code in style with a try in Ulster's opening United Rugby Championship win over the Dragons a fortnight ago.
The 26-year-old was a training panellist in Paul O'Connell's Ireland squad over the summer, and while returning head coach Andy Farrell names his autumn panel next week, Ward says he is not looking beyond the URC leaders' visit to Affidea Stadium.
"I'm just worried about this game this weekend," he told BBC Sport NI.
"I'm not really thinking about that. It's always a goal for every player, but I just want to try and cement my place in the starting 15 here and then see what happens after that."
Having initially joined Ulster on a trial basis after last year's autumn international window, Ward admits he endured a "baptism of fire" in his debut against Bordeaux in the Investec Champions Cup.
But with four tries in 10 appearances since then, he believes his confidence has "grown massively".
"That's definitely down to the coaching staff having belief in me and not putting too much pressure on me and the guys around me galvanising me," added the 2024 Olympian.
The Bulls, who have started the season with wins over Ospreys and Leinster, have included 13 South African internationals for their European tour that also includes fixtures against Connacht and Glasgow.
Ward may come up against Canan Moodie, who is fresh off winning the Rugby Championship with the Springboks, but the Ballynahinch man is confident Ulster can overcome last season's URC finalists if they execute their gameplan.
"South African teams are always going to be massively physical, we know that.
"We can't give them too much loose ball because they have some nippy guys out wide as well, but we're confident if we stick to our gameplan and do what we set out to do, we can put on a good show and a good performance for the crowd."