The Ulster Rugby Programme caught up with Justin before the Ulster v Bourgoin game on Friday night and Justin had the following to say on becoming a member of this ERC Elite Club..

Justin, congratulations on receiving an ERC Elite Award for 50 Heineken Cup caps. It is obviously a very special competition for you. What are your best Heineken Cup memories?

Obviously winning the European Cup in 1999 features very highly, along with the whole journey to that end. That season was the first time I had played in the competition, and to win the final at the first time of trying was just fantastic, especially with the great group of players we had. It was a real journey, the dawn of professionalism within the province. The season just got better and better. Harry Williams was instrumental in organising the professionalism of the team, and with the close-knit group of players we had, we achieved a memorable win. 

Justin running on the pitch on Friday night against Bourgoin

Overall the Heineken Cup is a fantastic competition.  You get to play the best teams, and to be involved in some fabulous matches at Ravenhill. Another game that stands out for me, was the win over Wasps in the 2001-2002 season – the night Humph was just on fire. The Wasps team was packed full of internationals but David Humphreys was by far the best player on the park.  Beating Toulouse and Stade Francais at home were also good achievements. You do however think of some of the near misses, where we just missed out on a victory or a bonus point that would have propelled us forward in the competition and on to the next stage. By and large though, I have very happy memories from an excellent competition.