Ward revelling in Emerging Ireland tour experience
Zac Ward scored Emerging Ireland's first try in their 36-24 win over Pumas in Bloemfontein on Wednesday
- Published
Zac Ward said his body was "in bits" after playing the full 80 minutes in Emerging Ireland's 36-24 win over Pumas but was thrilled as he continued his promising transition from Sevens rugby to the XVs game.
The Ulster trialist notched the tourists' first try in Bloemfontein and said he had "really enjoyed" the contest.
"That’s the first 80 minutes of rugby I’ve played in a very, very long time," said the Paris Olympian, who was selected for the three-game Emerging Ireland tour in South Africa after joining Ulster on an extended trial in August.
Prior to his move to Sevens, Ward, now 25, played at flanker but Ulster coach Richie Murphy believes his XVs future is on the wing and he played in that position in Wednesday's tour opener.
"Slowly I’m starting to find my feet on the left wing. It’s only been about a month now that I’ve been doing it," he added.
"I’m really enjoying it. Got a lot of ball in hand [against the Pumas] which I was happy with."
Zac Ward said his body was "in bits" after the Bloemfontein contest
After the faith that Ulster coach Murphy has placed in him, Ward is now delighted to be learning from Emerging Ireland coaches Simon Easterby and Paul O'Connell.
"I’m just taking every day as a learning curve.
"It’s a great environment to be in. Simon and Paulie have been fantastic in helping everyone develop as players so it’s exciting."
Ward's Paris Olympics team-mate Chay Mullins was also a late inclusion in the Emerging Ireland squad and the Ulster man believes the skills they've learnt in the Sevens code can be applied to XVs rugby.
"Sevens has helped me develop as a player massively. Now that I’m in the XVs game, it’s just trying to apply all the skills I’ve learned in Sevens," added Ward.
"Myself and Chay are both relatively new to it. We’ve both slowly getting into it but it’s been great."
Ward added that friendships have been quickly forged on the tour and morale should now be high going into Sunday's second tour match against Western Force.
"We were a bit new and fresh on day one but we pretty quickly gelled as a squad.
"I think that even showed on the pitch. We’re playing real cohesive rugby after a week."