Ulster Rugby v Harlequins

TREADWELL RELISHING ANOTHER BATTLE AGAINST FORMER SIDE

Kieran Treadwell knows tonight’s opposition particularly well, having arrived at Kingspan Stadium in the summer of 2016 from the London side, with whom he made five appearances.

Having featured in 11 out of 13 Ulster games this season and represented Ireland in the Autumn Internationals, it is fair to say that the season is going well for Treadwell, but his eyes remain firmly fixed on what he can do to progress. “There’s obviously room to improve but I think the season is going well so far,” insists the 22-year-old lock. “At the moment, for me, it’s about kicking on for Ulster. We knew these two European games back-to-back against ‘Quins [Harlequins] were going to be tough but hopefully we can improve on what we did last week and give our supporters a win at home tonight.” Treadwell, who grew up in Sutton, qualifies for Ireland through his mother, who hails from Wexford. He joined the Irish camp for the recent Guinness Series, delivering a strong performance

Having previously played for Harlequins and having played against his former side last weekend, Treadwell is well aware of the challenge posed by them tonight, but is not discouraged. “I’m excited to play ‘Quins again tonight. Obviously, having played for them before there are a few familiar faces for me on their team. It was weird running out of the away changing room at The Stoop last weekend, but Ulster are my team now and I’m here to do a job and we’re hoping to give our supporters the win tonight on home turf. “We know it won’t be easy. ‘Quins will bring that fast expansive game that they like to play. They play quite an off-load game, quite a free-flowing game. I think this year we play quite a free-flowing game as well so it’ll be a good spectacle to watch. “I feel that ‘Quins haven’t gone as well in the Premiership this year as they would have hoped so they’ll be targeting this competition coming from the Challenge Cup into the Champions Cup. Obviously, we have to get our defence right, put in a big performance again and bring our A game.” At just 22 years of age, Treadwell has a bright future ahead of him and one that he is committed to working for. “I have different goals for different games. There’s stuff I need to work on and stuff that’s worked well and I just need to reinforce. I want to win. I’m at Ulster to win so long-term I want to get some silverware, but we need to continue working hard and building on our performances from week-to- week. “For me personally I’d like to put my name in the hat for the Six Nations but obviously, it all starts here - I’ve got to play well here and be consistently playing well for Ulster so l’m taking each week as it comes and aiming to get better week-on-week."

KIERAN TREADWELL that helped Ireland return a win against Fiji. “It was an unbelievable experience. Running out and singing the national anthem and all the build-up before the game - it was pretty surreal to be honest. Walking out of the hotels as part of the Irish team with all the fans, loads and loads of supporters cheering and wanting your autograph - it’s a surreal experience. But as soon as you get onto the pitch and start playing, you forget about it because you’re in the zone and you’ve got a job to do. It was the first time my mum and dad saw me play for Ireland at home in Ireland, so that was pretty special. Playing for your country always adds a bit of extra pressure, but overall it was a great experience.”

As one who is eager to learn and develop, the guidance of Ulster colleague Iain Henderson has been of great assistance. “Hendy has been a real help. He’s been in there (in the Irish squad) for a while now so he knows the system. If there are plays that I don’t know or don’t pick up, I’d ask him and he’d always have time to sit down and go through it with me which is great. He’s a great guy to go to for advice.”

10

www. ULSTERRUGBY .com