YOUNG GUNS

NATHAN DOAK

Nathan Doak has shone for Ulster since breaking into the first team, but the scrum half’s immense hunger means he is eager for more success in the game.

The 20-year-old has made 13 appearances for Ulster this season, scoring an impressive 77 points courtesy of his four tries and deadeye goal kicking.

First choice scrum-half John Cooney has missed most of the campaign through injury and Doak has capitalised on his increased game time.

Doak, who has a fine relationship with the veteran nine, said: “John has been great, and I’ve loved working with him. I think I’d be able to call John my friend which is probably the most important thing for how our relationship works. He’s a great mentor.

“He’s been injured a lot this season and it’s been tough for him, so I’m sure every Ulster fan can’t wait to see him back.”

Former footballer Doak played multiple sports growing up and he believes that is something that children should be encouraged to do.

He said: “Playing football has definitely helped with my goal kicking, John (Cooney) used to play football as well when he was younger, and we do kick the ball the same. Striking a football has helped me manoeuvre myself to kick the rugby ball differently rather than kicking it just like a rugby player.

“I always say to young kids and parents that I played a lot of sports when I was younger, and my dad never told me to just play rugby.

He always wanted me to play other sports. Even when I was playing cricket, my catching and passing of the rugby ball has definitely transferred. You can see someone who has played different sports when they play rugby.”

Doak’s father Neil, the coach at Ulster, was Nathan’s biggest influence growing up and he was desperate to follow in his dad’s footsteps.

He said: “I didn’t actually play rugby I played football but the way I knew about rugby was through my dad. We went to the Ulster games together because he was the coach and that’s how I learnt about the game.

“With my dad being my idol, I always said I wanted to be like him, but I never told him that of course. He played for Ulster, so I always had the vision of playing for them as well.”

Doak first started playing rugby at Wallace High School in Lisburn and was a part of a sensational team, with many of his teammates also representing Ulster at age grade level.

He said: “That team stuck together, we went the whole first year unbeaten. In my final year we got to the Schools Cup final, but we didn’t get to play it due to Covid which is a shame because we were unbeaten that season as well and I’m confident we would have won.”

Doak appeared at the U20 Six Nations last year with his Ireland side finishing third after bonus point wins over Scotland and Italy but suffering defeats to Wales and England.

After two Covid-ridden years, Doak was thrilled to be back playing rugby.

He said: “Playing at the U20 Six Nations was brilliant. It was a real opportunity to show what you can after Covid bubbles and not being able to train with the seniors. It was great to play some matches as it was difficult to play any competitive rugby last year.”

Doak feels his hunger sets him apart from other youngsters.

He said: “As a kid you’ve got to have relentless hunger because

if you don’t, you’re not going to get to where you want to get to. If you want it then you have to take the opportunities.”