OSPREYS v ULSTER ACADEMY REWARD

Angus enjoying the ‘crazy’ time

A FEW short months ago rising Ulster star Angus Kernohan was actively considering prioritising college studies over side-steps and line breaks.

At a crossroads in his rugby life, the talented teenager was left to weigh up his options before an impressive pre-season at the Kingspan Stadium forced a career rethink.

Rewarded with an Academy contract in September, only five months later Kernohan is preparing to win his 13th cap in tonight’s clash at the Ospreys.

“It’s been pretty crazy,” said the Ireland U20 winger without any hint of understatement.

“It’s been a really exciting transition for me, but I’m thankful to the coaches, the guys around me and my family for keeping me grounded.”

After initially missing out on an Academy spot in the summer, Kernohan was resigned to honing his skills in the club game and pursuing his studies.

“I had offers at Queen’s, but I was also considering going abroad,” he said. “I’m still hoping to study part-time, but if I wasn’t in the Academy I’d probably be at university.”

Kernohan, still only 19, recalls walking into the Ulster changing room for the first time as a “scary” experience, although Marcell Coetzee (inset) soon made him feel at home.

“What’s up boykee,” said Coetzee, boykee meaning ‘young lad’ in South African slang.

“That was the first time Marcell spoke to me and I didn’t know what it meant,” chuckled Kernohan. “But little things like that make you feel part of the team and squad.

“Walking into the changing room was scary, but those little touches mean a lot.”

Kernohan, who ranks Ruan Pienaar and Andrew Trimble as boyhood idols, accepts there is little room for error as Ulster bid to get their campaign back on track at the Ospreys.

With Leinster 21 points clear at the summit and only seven games left, the province finds itself in a four way scrap for the two other playoff spots in Conference B.

“Each team we beat, it’s more in our control,” said Kernohan. “While it’ll be difficult at Ospreys, it’s definitely a game we can win.”

ULSTER are boosted by Iain Henderson’s return from finger surgery which saw him miss the start of Ireland’s Six Nations campaign, while Stuart Mccloskey wins his 100th cap at centre.