Patient Ross Kane accepts Ulster waiting game

The tight head’s start against the Dragons in Cardiff last Saturday was his first since Glasgow in May 2019.

“It’s always great to get a bit of game-time, last week and in the Ospreys game as well, but as you know there’s a bit of competition but that’s always good and pushes us all on and when I get an opportunity I’ll take it,” said Kane. “It was a nice milestone to hit the 50 caps and with the contract extension it’s been a nice couple of weeks but, again, it’s just small things in the long-term goal to try and be playing as much as I can and keep pushing forward.

“Every week I have the aim to try and get involved in the team and play as much as I can.

“As I said before, there is a lot of competition in the tighthead spot and everyone seems to be very robust with no real issues there, so it’s a credit to everyone there and pushes all of us forward.

“So, I’ve just got to try and do as well as I can to try and get my foot in the door.”

Kane, a former Schools’ Cup-winning captain, made his Ulster debut five years ago and at 26-years-old feels he still has plenty to offer the squad.

“Twenty-six is starting to feel a bit old now with the amount of young boys coming through the squad but I feel 100 per cent and definitely feel I’ve a lot more to give, so hopefully I’ll get another couple of opportunities when they come,” said Kane. “I don’t think patience is something I thought would ever go, it’s the same every week, everyone puts their best forward during the week.

“Selection is selection but I’ve still the hunger and desire to keep adding to the team and take my chances when they come.

“I’m still 26...I’ve still a lot to give.”

It has been a tough season for the players not making the Ulster matchday 23 as with the pandemic they have had no club rugby to fall back on to stay sharp.

“It’s been difficult with all the Covid restrictions but I think we’re lucky to be playing any rugby at all, so it’s been good in a sense but a bit frustrating as well,” said Kane. “But with a couple of ‘A’ games thrown in as well, it’s enough rugby to keep the fitness up and work towards getting back into the squad.”

With Tom O’Toole released from the Ireland camp due to injury he is unlikely to face Zebre tomorrow night at Kingspan Stadium, meaning Kane will get another chance and the prop thinks the scrum could be the key to beating the Italians.

“I’d say every scrum is quite unique, you get a bit of a feel as to how the opposition are trying to target you but, again, they could change that for their next scrums,” he said. “The main thing, I think, is adapting at the time so you’re still focusing on what you can do while you’re in that scrum and that’s where the main thinking behind it is.”

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