“When I was growing up I really looked up to David, he was such a role model for me, we played the same position and he was playing for Ireland and Ulster when I was at school and I really admired him.   Gary Longwell set up a meeting with David for me in my first year in the Ulster Rugby Academy, I went over to Newforge and we watched a game that I had played in and he gave me some advice. I was quite nervous about it but David was so friendly and genuine that I found I was able to learn a lot from him from day one.”

“His influence on me has been massive; I owe him a lot and this season he has always been there for advice, I honestly think that without him this year I may have struggled. He gives me advice away from the rugby pitch and has made me see that I have to be thick skinned as the press attention won’t always be positive, I have to be ready for the ups and downs.
Over the last few weeks we have been joking about what I am going to do next season when I need advice and he has assured me that I can always give him a buzz if I need any help. I know I am going to miss him!”