I want to make a name for myself at Ulster, says rising Doak
Nathan Doak of Ulster makes a break during the Heineken Champions Cup Pool A match between Northampton and Ulster at Cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens in Northampton, England. Photo : Paul Harding/Sportsfile
Dan Tuohy maybe hit on something when recently asked to comment on this season’s accelerated rise to prominence of one Nathan Doak.
“Doaky? You know he reminds me a bit of (Ruan) Pienaar in the way he goes about things, though obviously a ginger version,” said the former Ulster lock
It seems appropriate that someone who was so steeped in Ulster rugby culture is now part of the senior squad, and widely tipped to be going places. The 20-year-old is just 13 appearances in – ahead of tonight’s clash with Scarlets – and his name is mentioned in the same breath as Ulster’s other backline shining lights Robert Baloucoune, James Hume and Michael Lowry.
Not bad for the scrum-half who fearlessly stepped up when John Cooney broke down, coming off the bench half an hour into this season’s opener against Glasgow, and proceeding to leave an indelible mark on what followed.
The then 19-year-old, only making his third senior appearance since debuting in December 2020, looked comfortable and confident and has done so ever since, whether slotting shots from the tee, scoring tries, putting balls to the sky or just motoring Ulster forward.
His form and impact has been such that he must surely have been mentioned when Andy Farrell was pondering his Six Nations squad, and it must really just be a matter of time before he gets a chance at Test level.
“I’ve loved playing in the big games and (with) getting a taste of it now, I want more,” Doak says. “When you go out there, you want to enjoy yourself and give the best account of yourself.
“That’s something I’ve tried to do this season. I don’t think too much about my age, to be honest.
“If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.”
Ulster – McIlroy; Gilroy, Moxham, Curtis, Lyttle; Burns, Doak; O’Sullivan, Andrew, M Moore, O’Connor (capt), Carter, Jones, Marcus Rea, Vermeulen. Reps: Roberts, McGrath, Milasinovich, Kearney, McCann, Shanahan, Madigan, Sexton.
Scarlets – Nicholas; Rogers, Morgan, S Hughes, Conbeer; D Jones, Blacker; S Thomas, D Hughes (capt), Lee, Lousi, M Jones, Kalamafoni, Shaun Evans, Tuipulotu. Reps: M Jones, Mathias, Sebastian, Helps, Shingler, Hardy, Costelow, Steff Evans.
Ulster v Scarlets
Live, 7.35, Premier Sport 1
