- When did you first take an interest in playing rugby?
I began playing with Limavady Grammar and enjoyed it enough to pursue it further.

- Coming from training in the Academy what has been the biggest adjustment for you now that you have a summer Development Contract with Ulster Rugby?
The volume of training has been the main thing; at the academy we do theory of the game and analysing techniques, as well as training on the pitch. With the full squad we are training twice a day, so we are going to be able to take our fitness to the next level to become better players.

- What has been the highlight of your time with the academy so far?
Aspects like analysing video footage with Denise Martin are great, doing specialised training and skills with Gary Longwell and kicking with Neil Doak. I’m learning so much from all of them.

- In what ways to you think the Academy has developed your rugby skills?
Physically, it has made me stronger and particularly over the last year I have been able to develop new skills and build on existing ones because of all the guidance I’ve had from the Academy.

- How have you found training with the full team?
In the beginning it was slightly intimidating; as I’ve progressed I feel much more a part of the team. It’s such a pleasure to train with people who I watched play when I was younger, I really want to utilise my time with them to learn as much as I can.

- Which Ulster Rugby player do you admire most?
It has to be David Humphreys , I admired him growing up and still do- he’s so approachable and friendly.

- What are your ambitions for the upcoming season?
I want to continue to be involved with Ulster Rugby as much as I possibly can and in club rugby bring Belfast Harlequins back to Division one.

- You were part of the Ireland U20 team who clinched an unprecedented Grand Slam and Six Nations championship double.What was the most exciting match you played with the Ireland U20’s?
England in the third round because it was such a tough match, it was close but we ended up winning 13-6  . The stadium was packed and it was a hugely important game for us.

- How did it feel being told you had been selected for the squad?
I felt so proud, I had been involved in International competitions previously but you always aspire to the next level and achieving it was amazing.

- Who were your toughest opponents out of the matches that you played with the Ireland U20’s?
I think I it would have to be France. They’re side were relentless, but it made for an exciting match.

- What do you think of Ulster’s Heineken up pool for the 07/08 season ?
I think the Gloucester and Ospreys games will be great to see, Ulster haven’t played Gloucester since 2004/05 season so I’m sure it will be interesting.

- The fixtures for the RWC have now been released if you could go anywhere in the world to watch a match which one would you choose?

Definitely Ireland v France. They’re two great sides and they both play exciting styles of rugby- I’d love to be sitting in the Stade de France watching that game.

- If Ulster Rugby had an unlimited budget who would you sign?
Beckham to get some shirts sold! No, probably Jonny Wilkinson.

Keep checking www.ulsterrugby.com for an Interview with Academy player David Drake later in the week.