Browne: There’s A Great Team Ethos Here At Ulster

Ulster lock Peter Browne has settled into life in Belfast off the pitch almost as well as he has he has fitted into life on it.

On the rare occasions that he has a break from training, Peter Browne enjoys coffee and lazy lunches in some of the city’s fashionable new eateries.

However, it is rugby culture and not cafe culture that attracted the 6ft 7in forward to Kingspan Stadium. Having played in all three of Ulster’s GUINNESS PRO12 matches so far this season, he is aiming to continue to make an impact – starting with Friday’s trip to Edinburgh.

“I am learning all the time. That is the beauty of rugby. You are always learning something new and how to improve yourself and if you aren’t doing that, you should stop playing,” he said.

“There is a great team ethos here. Everyone has each other’s backs. There is competition for places and that’s good because it pushes people to be better. The coaches are going to give everyone a fair chance. We are here as a squad and everyone is very helpful.

“I was involved in the first PRO12 game of the season against the Ospreys which was fantastic. The match against the Scarlets was disappointing, but it was good to be back involved for the win over Treviso. We just have to carry that form into the Edinburgh game this weekend and try and get the win there.”

Like every rugby fan on the planet, Browne has been glued to the World Cup and he was massively impressed with Ireland’s performance against France at the Millennium Stadium last Sunday.

“I thought Ireland were really good, especially after losing (Paul) O’Connell and (Johnny) Sexton. They almost played better in the second half, it was just a really great performance.

“I would predict a New Zealand-Ireland final, but if Ireland have to take on Australia that will be a big challenge for Joe Schmidt’s team. The Aussies are probably the form team of the tournament right now so it will be a massive semi-final if both teams get there.”

While most people watching tournament can only ever dream of representing a side at the World Cup, Browne, who is Irish-qualified through his father Leonard, has aspirations that one day he might pull on the green jersey.

He explained: “My dad is from Belfast and grew up in Glengormley. He played rugby for BRA and captained Ulster Schools. He moved to England to go to university and met my mum over there and stayed in England.

“I would love one day to wear the green jersey but my focus at the moment is on getting into this Ulster side.”