Rugby

Sheridan ready to get going again with Ulster after impressing for Emerging Ireland

Holywood native featured on recent tour in South Africa

Pacemaker Press 04-06-2024: Quarter-Final Media Briefing Ulster Rugby’s Harry Sheridan Lock / Back Row pictured during a media briefing ahead of BKT URC Quarter-Final fixture v Leinster Rugby this Sat at Aviva Stadium. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.
Ulster's Harry Sheridan
By Paul McIntyre

After impressing for Emerging Ireland during their recent tour of South Africa, Harry Sheridan is itching to get back to his bread and butter and establish himself in the Ulster team.

Sheridan was one of six Ulster players that featured on the successful tour and after returning in time to see his teammates put in a mammoth effort to beat Connacht last Saturday night, the Holywood native can’t wait to play his part starting with tonight’s clash against the Ospreys.

“Buzzing, said Sheridan on his return to Ulster.

“We just got back there on Friday. Watched the (Connacht) game. Saw the atmosphere at home here at the Kingspan and it’s going to be the same this coming Friday.

“Me, Izzy (Cormac Izuchukwu) and Scottie (Scott Wilson) were delighted to get back on time to watch that match and now we’re building into the this one. And hopefully be selected as it’s a massive opportunity for us at home against a great Ospreys side.”

Pacemaker Press. 12-04 2024: Ulster Rugby training captains Run at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. Ulster’s Harry Sheridan pictured during a open training session event for season-ticket holders at Kingspan Stadium. Following the session, the team departed for their EPCR Challenge Cup Quarter-Final against Clermont. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.
Pacemaker Press. 12-04 2024: Ulster Rugby training captains Run at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. Ulster’s Harry Sheridan pictured during a open training session event for season-ticket holders at Kingspan Stadium. Following the session, the team departed for their EPCR Challenge Cup Quarter-Final against Clermont. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

In professional sport, you need a little bit of luck along the way.

Simon Easterby was the head coach of the Emerging Ireland tour and with Andy Farrell temporarily stepping a-side as Irish head-coach at the end of November to concentrate on his Lions role, it will be Easterby who will be stepping into the breach.

Easterby was also in charge of the last Emerging Ireland tour two years ago.

From that squad a total of 27 senior caps has been handed out to players from that squad. Proving that there is a pathway for this year’s young hopefuls.

So, Sheridan is hoping that he has put himself in the shop window for a future senior call-up.

“The Emerging Ireland tour this year was more of an opportunity than any other because obviously Simon Easterby is going to be taking over the head coach role of the IRFU.

“You’re looking to just do everything they are asking. Deliver on the day-by-day stuff that they are asking.

“They are very clear about that and I did that to the best of my ability.

“But you’re always thinking back I could’ve done this better; I could’ve done that better. I’m at peace with it now and it was a really good tour. It was good to get to know him first of all and just impress them as well.”

The downside of course was that Sheridan missed three club games. But there are two games left before the Autumn break and Sheridan is eager to make up for lost time.

“Yeah. It was great to be away on that tour for three matches. But as a consequence, you’re missing three Ulster games. And to be honest, this block now I wish it was a wee bit longer as it’s only two more games and then we’re off for ages.

“So, I’m massively excited for these games coming up and it’s an opportunity to boast our points and get up the table if we deliver on what we say we’re going to do.”