Under the spotlight

The impressive full-back lifts the lid on his idol in the game, his toughest opponent so far and his pants pre-match ritual.

Age: 25

Position: Full Back

Home Town: Waringstown

Club: Ballymoney RFC

Previous Clubs: Dromore RFC, Kings Scholars RFC

What team do you support?

Not really a fan of any club, big Irish supporter though!

What is your favourite away ground?

Has to be Barban Hill (Dromore). Had played there for four seasons so still have lots of friends there, also I have never lost there as a Ballymoney player and its always great to beat your old club!

Who is your rugby idol?

Growing up it was Christian Cullen. Not a big player (like myself) but very adventurous and had great feet, always beat the first man.

Any pre-match superstitions?

I wear the same pair of lucky boxers every game. They are starting to wear a little thin so will have to keep a look out for a new pair.

Who is the best player you have played with?

I played with a few ex-Ulster players at Dromore the best was probably Neil Doak, very clever player, always took the right options.

Who is the best player you have played against?

That's tough, played against an army team at a 10's tournament once who had John Coffey from the Green Mile playing for them, it took five men to bring him down!

If you could introduce one thing to your sport what would it be?

Anyone trying to illegally slow the ball down should be given a straight yellow, no warnings. It's the most frustrating thing as an outside back when you have space in front of you but the ball is stuck under a pile of bodies.

Who do you think will win the Six Nations?

France, they are a very good side with alot of strength and depth. They can be very unpredictable though, but I think they should beat England and Italy fairly comfortably!

What is the best advice you have been given by a manager?

Enjoy it!!

Who is your ideal WAG?

My wife says I have the ideal WAG.

If you could invite three players out for a drink who would you invite?

Willie Jon McBride, because he's a legend, Tommy Bowe to sing and Shane Byrne for his mullet!!

Who is the best/worst dress player in your changing room?

I'd have to say 'Soupie' (Jonny Linton) is the worst dressed - he has some interesting cardigans! Jonny Hanna is the best dressed because he has the Jacket!

Who does the most moaning on the pitch?

It's got to be Bertie because no one ever passes to him, he's so hard done by!

Who's your teams best player?

We are a team that doesn't rely on any one stand out player, but I have to say Jason Taggart would be up there even though he has lost a bit of pace with age, he is one of those players that finds himself in the right place at the right time. Marty Irwin is another great player, he has an eye for a gap!

Who is your biggest show pony?

Keith Thompson, he likes to celebrate when he scores, sometimes he even forgets to put the ball down!

What has been the highlight of your rugby career?

Probably playing at representative level for both Ulster Colleges and Junior Ulster. No matter what level you are playing at its always an privilege to wear your provincial colours.

What has been the low point of your career?

Traveling from Portrush to Dromore to play for a side battling with relegation. We did manage to win a relegation play off against Bangor which ensured it wasn't a complete waste of time.

What's the best team you have played this season?

City of Derry, we played them on Saturday and although we played reasonably well they beat us convincingly. They are a patient team who punish any mistake with a try