ROBERT HAS A BAL ON HIS BELFAST BOW

ULSTER’S latest wing wizard Robert Baloucoune says his rapid rise through the ranks shows what is possible with hard work.

The 21-year-old from Enniskillen was a surprise call-up to the senior side for Friday’s bonus point win over the Dragons (above).

In a way, his sudden promotion was a victory for grassroots rugby.

Impressive displays for the A side this season and a strong background in the sevens game convinced head coach Dan Mcfarland (below) to hand him a dream start at Kingspan Stadium.

“It’s just about gradually progressing up to this stage and I’ve got the chance now and it’s been class,” beamed the rookie.

“When I was told I was starting I couldn’t wait for it. It shows that as long as you work hard, you’ve got the chance to get there.

“There are quite a few boys who’ve come from the club game as well. I was really looking forward to it and I appreciated the chance to get out there.

“The atmosphere was great and I really enjoyed it.”

Ulster have a rich tradition of producing quality wings with Tommy Bowe, Andrew Trimble and Jacob Stockdale who scored seven tries in Ireland’s Grand

Slam winning campaign earlier this year.

Stockdale, now 22, was 19 when he first played for the Ulster senior side and played for Ireland at the World U20 Championships in 2015 and 2016 before being blooded at senior level.

Baloucoune, who honed his skills at the former Portora Royal School in Enniskillen, is not at that level yet. He has speed to burn and is still raw but showed with his tackle count against the Dragons he has a flair for the physical side of the game.

It’s been a remarkable year and half for him, considering 18 months ago he was playing for Enniskillen against Ballynahinch Seconds in the Towns’ Cup final.

That was his last game at Kingspan Stadium – until Friday night.

“It was a bit different,” he smiled, “but I enjoyed both of them. All the Enniskillen ones were up and I could hear them on the sideline.”

Baloucoune formed part of a new-look back three with 20-year-old Michael Lowry scoring his first Ulster try playing at full-back.

“I’ve been training with the guys for quite a while and they were talking to me throughout,” explained Baloucoune. “They really settled me into the game, especially Michael. He’s younger than me but he just kept in my ear the whole time.”