Ulster ‘want to right a few wrongs’ in Cardiff

Wing Zac Ward says Ulster must bring their “A game” into Saturday’s second Challenge Cup Pool 3 match in Cardiff.

The Irish province started their European campaign with a thumping 61-7 win over Racing 92 in Belfast while Cardiff lost at Stade Francais.

However, Cardiff came from 19-0 down to win the last match between the sides in the United Rugby Championship in October 2024, and, just like Ulster, have only lost one United Rugby Championship match this season.

Ward, who scored two tries in the win over Racing, said the trip to Cardiff is “going to be really tricky”.

“They had our number last season in the URC and we’re definitely going over there to right a few wrongs,” said the 27-year-old, who added that new attack coach Mark Sexton has allowed the players to “express themselves”.

“Both teams want to win, especially in Europe, and we know how important wins are, especially away from home.

“We had a really good start on Friday night against Racing and we’ll take the positives forward. It will be a different challenge playing against a really good Cardiff side so we’ll need to be on our A game.”

Ward made the switch from Rugby Sevens to the full 15-a-side game after the 2024 Paris Olympics and he says he is “still learning”.

He pointed to the quality they have in their ranks in the form of the likes of Jacob Stockdale, Michael Lowry, Robert Baloucoune and Werner Kok and said Ulster have “got a really good and competitive back three at the moment.”

“I’m definitely getting a lot of exposure with those guys and I’m learning a lot.

“From where I was this time last year, when I was playing my first game, I’m starting to find myself now.”

Ward represented Ireland in the Sevens game and played in green in the Ireland ‘A’ game against Spain in November,

He says he focus is currently on playing well for Ulster but has Ireland ambitions “some day down the line”.

“We’ve a really competitive back three and for now, my goal is to cement my place on the wing at Ulster and continue the form I shown so far.

“Everyone who plays the game wants to represent their country. I’ve done it in sevens and I’d love to do it playing 15s.

“The wingers that Ireland have at the minute are world class, so I know I’ve got to keep learning and keep developing as a player to get there. But it’s obviously a goal for some day down the line.”