It might be a pre-season friendly, but Friday night’s game against Leinster at Kingspan Stadium (kick-off 7.30pm) promises to be a game to remember for Ulster’s new signing Sam Windsor – in more ways than one.
“You train to play, so Friday night is a massive occasion for me,” said Sam Windsor, the 28-year-old out-half. “It’s my first time playing with the boys, it’s my first time playing at Kingspan Stadium and playing against Leinster, you couldn’t ask for a better team to come up against in a trial.
“I haven’t played properly since November of last year so it has been a solid slog for the past eight to nine months. I’m looking forward to finally playing and to getting some game-time.”
The Australian-born, Irish-qualified playmaker spent a short spell at Leinster in 2013 and he is excited about lining out against his old province.
“‘Friendly’ is a very loosely used term when it comes to a trial match! I’m not expecting any friendly exchanges from them. Winning only sets you up for more wins so if we can do well in our trials, work well as a team, get those combinations working right, it should put is in good stead for round one and the start of the GUINNESS PRO12.
“I missed out on playing Leinster ‘A’ in the British & Irish Cup last year for Worcester as I was injured but I am definitely looking forward to playing them this week.”
With Paddy Jackson and Ian Humphreys in the Ulster panel, Windsor knows competition for the number 10 jersey is massive.
He added: “That’s why we play the game and that’s why the coaches have us here – to play and perform. Paddy is obviously involved with Ireland but he will be back at some stage and he will be looking to get straight back in. Ian Humphreys loves playing and so I will be doing all I can do get ahead of them. If not, I will be supporting them from the sidelines or from the bench.”
Tickets for Friday night’s pre-season game between Ulster and Leinster are still available and can be purchased here.
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