Cooney 'someone I've looked up to' - Doak

Nathan Doak with fellow Ulster scrum-half John Cooney

Ulster's Nathan Doak says his team-mate and fellow scrum-half John Cooney has been an inspiration to him and will be missed by everyone connected with the Irish province.

It was revealed earlier this week that Cooney's eight-year stay with Ulster would end at the conclusion of this season with a move to French club Brive.

"John has been great - an unbelievable team-mate and an unbelievable friend to me," Doak told BBC Sport NI.

"He'll definitely be missed in the changing room and around the place. Probably mostly by me because it's been him and me for a long period out kicking on a Wednesday, doing stuff together, testing each other.

"He's someone I've looked up to. His mentality is probably the first thing that I've noticed from him, his self confidence, belief in himself."

Doak reflected that Cooney faced a formidable task on his arrival as a replacement for hugely popular and influential South African player Ruan Pienaar but took the challenge in his stride.

"He has never shied away from the big moment, has always wanted to produce for the team.

"They're unbelievable qualities to have, especially at half-back where you're so pivotal and touch the ball probably the most on the pitch.

"He had big shoes to fill with Ruan but knowing John he probably didn't even think about that one bit. He just wanted to be John Cooney and be the best version of himself and he definitely delivered that here."

Ulster return to action in the United Rugby Championship on Saturday as they aim to build on their recent win over the Scarlets when they face Dragons at Rodney Parade.

Richie Murphy's side sit 14th in the table but just three points off a play-off position with six matches remaining.

A top-eight berth would secure a play-off spot and also a place in the Champions Cup next season.

"It's been a bit stop and start, a bit frustrating that we have no games [during the Six Nations break], especially coming off the back of a win, but that momentum still carries on," said Doak.

"We're really looking forward to getting back into it, a big finish to the season here, with tough games coming up.

"Everyone is looking forward to making a push and [trying to] get some play-off rugby.

"It starts with the Dragons and not looking further ahead than that. All our focus is on this week.

"It'll be a tough task, it's never easy going to Rodney Parade no matter where they are in the league. We'll have to turn up with the right attitude and the right accuracy in our game and belief in ourselves."