Craig Gilroy’s drive for ‘significant mark’ in every Ulster fixture

Craig Gilroy is the elder statesman of the Ulster back three in terms of age and caps won for the province.
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The winger made his 195th appearance for Ulster in the bonus point win over Zebre last weekend and is constantly fighting off competition from the likes of Ethan McIlroy, Robert Baloucoune and Rob Lyttle.

“I want to make a significant mark every time I’m on that pitch, whether I’m 19 years old or I’m 30, every single time I put on that Ulster jersey I want to completely light it up, go the length, score tries...that’s always how I’ve felt and how I still feel,” said Gilroy ahead of Friday’s United Rugby Championship game against Benetton.

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Gilroy is delighted to see Will Addison back in the starting line-up after injury woes.

Ulster's Craig Gilroy. Pic by Pacemaker.Ulster's Craig Gilroy. Pic by Pacemaker.
Ulster's Craig Gilroy. Pic by Pacemaker.

“Will is a very smart rugby player, he communicates well on the pitch and reads the game well,” said Gilroy. “He’s good to play outside, he likes to have a crack and get the ball in his hands.

“Just another one of maybe five or six guys who can slot into the 15 position or the back three that makes it so competitive.”

Gilroy thinks the new 50-22 rule (if a player kicks the ball from his own half and it bounces before going out of play in the opposition 22, his team is given the throw into the resulting line-out) will help teams that like to attack.

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“The 50-22 rule opens a lot of doors, it’s a huge bonus if you land one of those in the opposition’s 22, you get an attacking lineout,” he said. “That is massive.”

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