Michael Lowry Concentrates on Ulster’s Bid to Halt Losing Streak

Michael Lowry, who made his Ulster debut in 2018, expressed his intense focus on the upcoming game, stating, “There will be a bit of turkey and we’ll get a couple of days off, but I’m so focused on the game that Christmas is almost a second priority for me.” Despite the approaching festive season, Lowry’s primary concern is reversing Ulster’s challenging run of form as Irish rivals Munster are set to visit Belfast this Friday for a United Rugby Championship fixture. Ulster’s defeat by Bordeaux in Europe on Saturday marked their fourth consecutive loss across all competitions, having conceded 26 points without reply in Belfast. This followed a loss to Cardiff before the autumn internationals, where Ulster again relinquished a significant lead, as well as defeats by Leinster and the reigning Champions Cup holders, Toulouse. Despite the current form, Lowry indicated that morale within the young squad remains high, and they are concentrating on the positive aspects from a demanding period. Lowry, who can play at full-back or on the wing, commented, “The main thing is we’re seeing an improving picture in terms of what we’re trying to do.” He added, “Results are what we’re trying to aim for but as long as we’re going in the right direction then it’s a good thing,” and expressed hope, “Hopefully we keep on that track and start to get a few wins under our belt.” Lowry highlighted Ulster’s first-half performance against Bordeaux as “the best 40 minutes” the team has played all season. Richie Murphy’s side held a five-point lead at half-time, but their French opponents, who are second in the Top 14 behind the formidable Toulouse, mounted a strong comeback in the final quarter to secure a convincing victory. Lowry, aged 26, further stated, “Unfortunately the second half wasn’t as good and that’s what we need to put out there, a full 80-minute performance.” He also noted, “We’re going in the right direction. It’s good when you look back on things and see we’re so close to having that 80 minute performance if we just tidy up a few things.” Lowry also mentioned that “a real buzz” persists at Ulster’s Ravenhill home, and the imminent game provides Ulster with an opportunity to respond. He explained, “We review the game, both good and bad. We will work on those bad things, but it’s about having belief. We want to keep improving the good things as well. Yes it’s good, but it’s not perfect.” He concluded, “We’re striving for that. We’re trying to get better individually and hopefully collectively it will come.” Munster will arrive in Belfast following their own defeat by Castres in their second European match. Friday’s Irish opponents are closely ranked in the table, occupying 10th and 11th positions, which is considerably lower than their usual standing. Lowry perceives the encounter with Munster, who have been without a permanent head coach since Graham Rowntree’s departure in October, as a “great opportunity” for Ulster to bounce back. He commented, “It’s a huge test and game. There’s a point between us and Munster, so it’s a great opportunity to back up what we done in that first half against Bordeaux and really test ourselves again. We know what Munster are capable of and we have to be on our game. They are off the back of a defeat so they will have the same attitude. They want to prove a point as well, so it’s exciting and there’s no better way to put things right than in an inter-pro.” Lowry has played the full 80 minutes in Ulster’s three most recent matches. Despite turning 26 on the eve of the season, Lowry feels like he is one of the more senior players in the squad and hopes to use his experience to guide the younger players through Ulster’s difficult run. He elaborated, “That’s more of a role now with such a young squad. I do like checking in on lads and really encouraging them to bring their best self out.” Lowry continued, “Everyone is here for a reason, and I start to pick up if lads aren’t feeling themselves or if training isn’t at the standard we need it to be. Sometimes if training isn’t good enough then it reflects in the game. Driving our training standards has been a big thing. That’s something I’m trying to do, and standing up in meetings and leading that way.” He concluded, “Yes, you need a bit of positivity and belief, but there is also a line where you need to drive standards when they are not good enough.”