Jacob Stockdale focused on Ulster ahead of Leinster clash

Ulster back Jacob Stockdale says his full attention is on club duties as the province prepares for its first inter-provincial clash of the season against Leinster.

The Ireland international insists that maintaining Ulster’s strong early-season form is his priority, rather than viewing the derby as a trial for national selection.

Stockdale has recently worked his way back into Ireland squads and is expected to face direct competition from other international contenders when Ulster meet Leinster.

Injuries to Hugo Keenan and Mack Hansen have opened opportunities across the back three, increasing the spotlight on performances at provincial level.

However, Stockdale said he is deliberately avoiding thinking too far ahead. He explained that focusing on selection possibilities weeks down the line can be distracting and counterproductive, stressing that his aim is to perform well in the immediate task at hand and deal with any future outcomes later.

“Yeah, that’s definitely true, but I’m trying not to look at it in that way,” said Stockdale when asked if the inter-pro will be seen as an Ireland trial.

“I think once you start worrying about selection of a team in eight weeks’ time, I think you start getting ahead of yourself and worrying about it a bit too much.

“So, I think for me, as boring as it maybe is and as cliched as the answer is, just trying to look at the game in front of my face and play as best as I possibly can, whatever comes off the back of that, I’ll deal with.”

While Stockdale first established himself as a wing, he has increasingly featured at full-back over recent seasons. His spell in the number 15 jersey this campaign has been one of his most effective so far.

He currently ranks among the leading players in the United Rugby Championship for carries and metres made, reflecting his growing influence in Ulster’s attacking game.

“I’m really enjoying playing full-back. I think I’m playing a lot better than I did the last time I had a crack at it, I’m very appreciative to Richie for giving me the opportunity to do that again.

“I think I enjoy just getting my hands on the ball a bit more and being more in the thick of things than you are in the wing, I don’t know whether I’m moving to full-back or whether I’m just playing full-back because Mikey’s injured, I guess we’ll see.”