Ulster’s Ethan McIlroy says he feels revitalised going into the 2024-25 season and wants to “nail down” the full-back position during the forthcoming campaign.

The 24-year-old, who missed a sizeable section of last season after suffering a fractured eye socket and concussion in a United Rugby Championship match against Munster, feels he can operate best in the number 15 shirt despite also being deployed on the wing.

“I’d love to nail down the full-back role. I feel that’s where you can get the best out of me,” said McIlroy, who faces competition for the position from Mike Lowry among others.

“I can bring the wingers into the game a bit more but I’m happy to play anywhere and comfortable playing anywhere. I can play wing, full-back, and I’m not going to be worried about playing either of them.”

Despite his significant injury setback last term, the former Academy and Development player feels thankful that he was able to return to action after two months on the sidelines.

“I don’t feel I’ve been unlucky,” added McIlroy. “There are people in worse positions – I haven’t had to have any surgeries or anything.

“I took a bad knock to the head but I recovered from that quickly and got back into the team and played some good rugby at the end of last season.

“I want to carry that on into this season and carry on that run of form and nail down a starting position.”