When Ben Carson boarded the plane for South Africa two weeks ago, he probably thought his chances of a starting either of Ulster’s two URC matches wavered between slim and very slim.
After all, Irish international centre Stuart McCloskey was on the same flight and about to be unleashed for his first start of season against the Lions in Johannesburg.
But such is the nature of professional sport, and particularly rugby, Carson’s chance to impress head coach Richie Murphy came a lot sooner than expected.
After picking up an injury against the Lions, McCloskey was ruled out the clash with the Bulls in Pretoria, so Murphy turned to Carson.
And the former Wallace High pupil didn’t look out of place at Loftus Versfeld in his first 80 minutes in an Ulster shirt. He also bagged himself a try into the bargain in Ulster’s 47-21 defeat.
“I think I was just extremely delighted to get my first start for Ulster and it makes it even better scoring my first try.
“I would just like to thank all the lads that helped me along the way, and coaches, and delighted that Richie Murphy has given me a chance.”
A 26-point reverse may not make for the prettiest of reading, but Carson was encouraged by how his team-mates refused to throw in the towel in the baking hot temperatures and altitude of Pretoria.
“That was a tough day at the office but I think we’re proud enough of ourselves for putting out a good effort,” he said.
“We scored three tries but ultimately we didn’t get the result we wanted. It was a tough enough day.
“I think, as Ulstermen, no matter if you’re foreign or from here, everyone just gives their all for Ulster and it’s testament to all the boys out there who did really well for the team. As I say, we didn’t get the result we wanted but I think the effort was there.”
Carson is further proof that at long last, the Ulster Academy is producing top talent. A former Ireland U20, Carson knows that this season more than ever players like himself, James Humphreys, James McCormick and Charlie Irvine will be called upon. When they do, Carson has every confidence he and his fellow Academy graduates can step up to the plate when required.
“I think the academy system in Ulster and all the young lads coming through to the senior team – like that’s what we strive for,” he said.
“We do have a young squad and all the young lads like myself are going to have to step up and really do our thing for Ulster this season. So, onwards and upwards from here.”
Connacht visit the Kingspan Stadium this weekend and, despite a short turnaround and long-haul flight from South Africa, Carson says he and his teammates can’t wait for Saturday evening.
“Connacht is a big game. It’s an inter-pro at home. It’s going to be a tough fight. But we’ll be ready. We’ll always be ready.”
