Diack relishing the Irish challenge
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:11
Storming to Ireland: Loose forward Robbie Diack
Western Province and Stormers loose forward Robbie Diack is relishing the "challenge" that his move to Irish province Ulster will bring.
The 22-year-old Diack has joined Ulster on a three-year contract.
"It's a big move to come from a Southern Hemisphere side like the Stormers to a team where the style of rugby is very different," Diack told BBC Sport.
"I can't wait to get stuck into some serious training and prove my worth," added the No.8.
"I have heard only good things about Ulster as a club and learnt a lot about Belfast before making my decision."
"My coach at the Stormers, Gary Gold, had coached with [Ulster boss] Matt Williams in the past, so he gave me an insight into Matt's coaching style and also an insight into his personality, which was all good.
"I was also in contact with a number of past Ulster players, including Warren Brosnihan and Dion O'Cuinneagain, to get some insider knowledge and again the feedback was all very positive.
"Everyone I chatted to about my move had only encouraging things to say, which really helped with the move from my home to a new country and club," explained the South African.
"I also did a bit of research on my own, looking at the Ulster Rugby website, reading newspaper articles on the club and team and of course checking out where to live and how to get around and I feel confident that I will fit into the squad and my new home really well.
"I've heard from those back home and seen on television just how passionate the Ulster supporters are and I can't wait to play in the ground and experience the famous Ravenhill atmosphere.
"This is an exciting time for me and I hope to get the chance to play in at least one of the upcoming friendlies to get a taste of Ravenhill before the leagues begin.
"There will be some hard graft put in from now on and hopefully I'll get the nod for one of those games.
"It would be exciting to play against Bath, Queensland or Worcester, but as I know the most about The Reds and their style of rugby I would love to play in that game.
"I don't know that much about the Magners League competition, only that there are a lot of old rivalries and a lot of pride at stake, especially the clashes against the other Irish provinces.
"I would be more familiar with the Heineken Cup and our pool is a really interesting one.
"There will never be an easy game in that tournament but all the guys I have spoken to so far feel really optimistic about the season ahead."
