'One of the nicest blokes you'll ever meet' - Ulster's Jed Findlay embracing experience towards South Africa call

The Queen’s full back is one of seven players flown in to bolster the Ulster ranks as the eight players in Andy Farrell’s Ireland squad for Nations Championship fixtures who faced the Bulls last Saturday returned home.

Rob Baloucoune, who didn’t travel to South Africa, will also join up with the international team.

Findlay has only played for Queen’s three times in the All Ireland League after arriving from Exeter University in the summer – but took part in the full pre-season at Ulster, impressing the coaches and also featuring across the friendly victory over Edinburgh.

Capped by Scotland at U20 level, Findlay is also eligible to represent Ireland and England.

He can also play in a number of positions across the backline, which could prove valuable to Ulster as they are missing Jacob Stockdale, Stuart McCloskey, Jamie Benson and Baloucoune from the outside backs.

Ulster head coach Richie Murphy named-checked Findlay in his pre-match press conference by stating how “he's definitely one to keep an eye on”.

“In my first year at college when I was under 17s I played fly half, so I played a year at fly half for (Exeter) Chiefs under 18s,” he said. “And then, in my second year, they thought we had another good fly half as well, so they moved me to full-back almost.

"And I'd say I actually probably enjoy it more.

“I have a bit more time with the ball, a bit more on the outside channels, get to use my skills.

"And then I've also played – well, I wouldn't really say played – in the centres but had cameos in the centres when we've needed to for university.

"So I would like to say that I'm a bit of a, quite a versatile, player...but we'll see.”

“I can play Scotland, Ireland and England...so coming over here, obviously trying to put myself forward to play Ulster first-team games.

"Hopefully get a couple this year, I’ve signed a two-year deal.

"So, hopefully, have a good two years and then see what happens, really.”

Findlay grew up watching a couple of former Queen’s old boys winning the European Cup and English Premiership at Exeter.

“Gareth Steenson...in my last year at college, I would go and train a few times in with the Chiefs so that was when he was still coaching over there.

"So he would actually be very helpful for a little young lad who's gone into a professional environment.

"He was really helpful, one of the nicest blokes you'll ever meet.

"So it's pretty cool that that sort of happened as well.

“Ian Whitten...actually would have left before I did anything to do with Chiefs, but I used to grow up watching them both and would have been to Sandy Park plenty of times watching them both play.

“I didn't actually speak to Gareth about coming here...I probably should have, to be honest, I probably should have messaged him and mentioned it.

"Maybe when I'm over here, get stuck into it a bit more, maybe I'll give him a message and see if he wants to catch up for a chat or two.”

Findlay explained his links to Ulster and why he chose to come to Belfast.

“My mum was born over here, so I've got connections, I've got grandparents over here, I've got aunties and uncles over here," he said. “So that's sort of my link to Northern Ireland.

"And then I've done two years’ studying at Exeter University and then sort of wanted a bit of change.

“I've still got another year on that degree, which I'm just going to complete online.

"So, I sort of wanted a bit of change, so, yeah, just reached out to someone over at Ulster.

"And then, okay, just went from there, really.

“I played externally in the Buccs Super Rugby, a bit through that...so my agent just reached out to Ulster and said ‘oh, I've got an Irish-qualified lad’ and then Gavin Hogg came over to watch.

"So we had a semi-final against Loughborough last year...he came over, watched that and then a couple of weeks later I signed with Ulster as a senior academy deal.”

Having already worn the white shirt of Ulster, Findlay is eager to get a first senior cap.

“Pre-season I was up with the seniors, so first-ever game of rugby I played since moving over here it was actually in Edinburgh,” said Findlay. “So I played for the senior pre-season game in Edinburgh, got 15/20 minutes over there.

"And then the week after we played against the Brunel Ealing Trailfinders Development/Brunel University team at Ravenhill.

"Which was pretty cool, first time in the stadium...which was nice.”

ULSTER: Eric O’Sullivan, Rob Herring, Keynan Knox, Ben Donnell, Eli Snyman, Cormac Izuchukwu, David McCann, Juarno Augustus, Matthew Devine, Jack Murphy, Zac Ward, Ben Carson, James Hume, Michael Lowry, Ethan McIlroy.

Replacements: Henry Walker, Tom McAllister, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Martin Moloney, Conor McKee, Jake Flannery, Chay Mullins.