Ulster’s Carson Reflects on Childhood Friendships and Team Challenges

Ben Carson has registered three tries in three starts for Ulster this season. Despite an unfamiliar composition in Ulster’s backline during their United Rugby Championship [URC] loss to Leinster on Friday night, several key players shared a long history. Ben Carson, who contributed two tries in the 27-20 defeat, developed his rugby skills alongside his centre partner Jude Postlethwaite at Lisburn RFC minis and played all his school rugby with Nathan Doak at Wallace High School. Carson stated, “I have known Jude since I was four years old. I went to primary school with him, played Lisburn minis, played with him at Banbridge and we have been best mates ever since we were younger.”‘Doaky’, I have known since I was about 10 years old. We went to Wallace together so it is just brilliant growing up and playing on the big stage with them, it was great.” Carson was the final member of this group of childhood friends to make his senior debut, which occurred when he played and scored against the Bulls in October. He acknowledged having some reservations about whether this opportunity would arise. He expressed, “We always hoped it would, but at the back of my mind there were doubts some times, but it is class that we’re here now and playing together.” Despite Carson’s achievement of a try-scoring double, with the second try resulting from a perfectly executed offload by Postlethwaite, the overall experience was marred by Ulster relinquishing a second-half advantage, leading to a defeat against their Irish rivals, who were without most of their Irish international players. Carson further commented, “We are obviously really disappointed because we back ourselves to beat anyone. That was a good Leinster side out there. Everyone goes on about a Leinster B team, but it doesn’t matter. They are still a brilliant side.” Having suffered four defeats in seven URC matches, Ulster is now preparing to confront the reigning champions Toulouse in their Champions Cup inaugural match at the Stade Ernest-Wallon on Sunday. If Carson participates, it will mark his European debut. Regarding the upcoming fixture, Carson stated, “It is going to be tough but hopefully the weather is going to be better. We like to play a good brand of rugby and a nice dry ball is always a bonus. We’re going over to Toulouse with the full expectation of winning, like we do every game and we’re excited.” Ulster has experienced numerous injuries in their back-three positions this season, indicating a specific scarcity of fit wings ahead of the European opener. Robert Baloucoune has not appeared in any matches during the current campaign, and Jacob Stockdale sustained what Richie Murphy characterized as a “significant” hamstring injury while playing for Ireland against Fiji last month. Both Werner Kok and Ben Moxham were compelled to leave the field during the match against Leinster, resulting in Ulster concluding the game with number eight Nick Timoney positioned on the wing. Although a complete European debut for Irish Olympian Zac Ward remains a potential option, Stuart McCloskey’s return from Ireland duty might enable either Carson or Postlethwaite to transition to the wing. Carson commented, “I have played on the wing a few times at Ballynahinch. I am happy to play anywhere the team needs me and I’m sure Jude is as well. If they want to put me on the wing I’m ready to go.”