When the time is right Darren Cave wants to go out on a high with a successful Ulster

The class of 2018 became the first Irish side since then to achieve the feat and Cave was a member of the last squad as he was starting on his professional career.

This week the questions were focused on what Cave might do at the end of the current season with Ulster when his contract is due to end.

From that point, there is still nothing to reveal from the 11 times capped Irish international.

The most capped player currently in the Ulster squad at 223, looks back with good memories to that Slam in 2007.

He made his debut with the Ulster senior squad in the same season.

For any side to achieve a Grand Slam in the Six Nations - you only have to remember the scenes last year at Twickenham when Ireland’s senior side beat England to complete the perfect campaign.

And it is no different at U20 level, achieving the Grand Slam is something which only happens now and again.

“It’s big deal for Irish rugby, but for those guys it’s an incredible thing. I remember it very well.

“I’ve a framed jersey with all the squad have signed it, the management have signed and my parents were at all five games and had the five ticket stubbs underneath it.

“At the time it was the biggest thing that it was the biggest thing going. As it transpired I was fortunate to go on and play international rugby, so looking back it probably was not as big as it felt it was at the time.

“But for those guys (last weekend) it’s absolutely massive for them, and it’s very positive for the future of Irish rugby.”

“I was looking at the picture and there were 23 players in it, Sean O’Brien was missing, 19 of that squad were or went on to play professional rugby.

“Of that 19 there were six who went on to play for the Ireland senior squad. Those are big numbers.”

Does it seem like 12 years ago?

Cave said: “A lot happened since then. Dan McFarland was the forwards coach, that’s the first time I met him. Very happy memories.”

As for the immediate future, Cave admits he will have to start giving it some really serious consideration, but he has still not made a decision and did not want to speculate on anything too much.

“I have not made a decision on what the future holds for me. It is all aligned anyway regardless of what Darren Cave is doing at the end of next season or this season.

“It all ties back to Ulster finishing strong this season, if I am not playing rugby next year then I want to go out on a high, and if I am playing then I want to have been part of this team that has built this, won that or nearly won this, or whatever it was.

“ It just boils down to trying to compete and give as much as I can every week to help the team to win and if I can do that, then I am going to be happy, whatever happens, happens on the other front.”

In terms of the regular PRO14 season, this could potentially be Cave’s penultimate home game - but he does not think about it.

“Not really. Like there are times when in the Dragons or Zebre changing room after the games when you think why would I ever walk away from this, I always presumed I would play until I was 35 or 36 and I would retire injured of just could not physically hack it anymore,” said the 31-year-old.

“I suppose I have changed my tune a little bit on that, but I have not fully made a decision.

“But there are times when you are in a changing room like that, how could I ever give that up.

“Equally there are days when you miss out on a selection or you pick up an injury and you swing the other way, you think you know after 13 years it might be time to hang the bat up and dander off.”

Asked if he would consider a move to somewhere else, Cave basically dismissed it.

“I think again it is something I have not made a decision on so I don’t really want to speculate too much.

Ideally I like many players in all Provinces like to retire as a one club man. But again there are so many things to consider, playing elsewhere would not be off the table, but I would say that it is probably highly unlikely.”

Whatever the future may hold, there is no doubt a player of Cave’s experience is more than useful to have around the Kingspan, particularly when there are so many exciting youngsters currently coming through in the backs.

And in some respects there is that added responsibility on him.

“I suppose there is in a way, and for me it’s something that I enjoy,” admitted Cave.

“Young guys bring so much enthusiasm and speed. It probably suits them having me, but it’s vice-versa as well as for me to have guys that I get the ball in their hands and try for second touches, create a bit of space for, and when they do get half a yard of space, finish off.

Cave has been handed another start this evening at Kingspan Stadium as the Guinness PRO14 returns after a two week Six Nations break and Ulster face Southern Kings (kick-off 5.30pm).

Next week the focus is on Europe, but Cave insists it is all about the Kings at the minute.

“There is no hiding it, next week is a big game. But this week is just as important as we want to qualify for Europe next year.”

Cave on Southern Kings challenge...and the future