It was a very proud moment for me to get 100 caps for Ulster, but getting the win at Rodney Parade (versus Dragons) was the most important thing.
My Dad came over for the game and it was nice to have him there - my family are all very proud. I am attached to two clubs now - Ballymena, where I play, and Rainey, where I have been coaching, so they were all behind me and proud to see me run out for my 100th appearance.
On his first cap…
My first cap was against Munster in 2010, I came off the bench, I think it was Mark McCrea got injured quite early on so I ended up getting about 60 minutes. It all happened so quickly, I didn't expect to be involved at all that day. I had played for Ballymena the week before and then I was brought into the squad early the next week.
Back then I was just happy to get one cap, never mind 100. Sitting here a year and a half ago, I didn't think I was going to get near the 100 mark, so it's great to be in the team and I'm delighted to have reached this milestone.
On his top three memories…
My first cap has to be up there with the most memorable.
My first try also, against Cardiff in February 2011, was a special occasion.
I would have to say the big win against Leicester Tigers at home in the European Cup in 2015 was up there.
On his toughest game…
I would have to say the games against Saracens, the group game at Allianz Park last year comes to mind. They are a very good side and we always struggle to beat them, which is frustrating.
On his toughest opponent…
Clermont's Wesley Fofana because he is a good all-rounder, he is very elusive and I struggled to play against him earlier this year at home.
On what has changed since his debut…
We are much more competitive now. A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes and I think we are much more consistently successful. When I first started playing we always had a big performance as a one off and now we back it up much more and can compete more on that European stage. Obviously, this season's Champions Cup run was disappointing for us all.
I also think the popularity of Ulster Rugby has increased dramatically. Back then you would see the odd person walking down the street wearing an Ulster top but now everyone seems to have some Ulster gear and attendances are great, which is nice to see. I don't think enough credit goes to the staff here for the work that is done off the pitch to grow Ulster Rugby.
On his goals for the remainder of the season…
We are all focused-on silverware. I think the last four or five weeks we have put ourselves in a good position to push on. We have four tough games left in the regular season but if we can get some good results and get to a Play-offs we have definitely got the talent and I suppose it's about having the belief and confidence to go all the way. The target is to win the PRO12 and on from that, I will be pushing for a place on Ireland's summer tour.
