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Ulster back row James McNabney said “it was a bit surreal” to be included as a development player in Ireland’s Six Nations squad.<\/b><\/p>\n
The 22-year-old debuted for his province last season after making 14 appearances for the Ireland Under-20s.<\/p>\n
His inclusion for Ireland’s pre-championship training camp in Portugal was his first involvement with the senior national side and came after a string of impressive performances at Kingspan Stadium.<\/p>\n
The call-up was a surprise to the player himself, however, who struggled to believe the news when he heard while working on the family farm.<\/p>\n
“I was actually just finished putting in silage\u00a0with the telehandler and I looked at my phone and saw I got the email,” said McNabney.<\/p>\n
“I wasn’t sure it was true and I had to have a good look to make sure it was legitimate\u00a0because I didn’t think I’d be on the radar for something like that.” <\/p>\n
The number eight, who has featured 11 times for Ulster this season, said it was strange to suddenly be alongside the Irish Test stars.<\/p>\n
“It was a bit surreal. When you go go-karting with Peter O’Mahony and Caelan Doris, you think it seems a bit nuts.<\/p>\n
“But they’re only human like the rest of us, they’re great lads and were really welcoming to me. It was great.”<\/p>\n
McNabney felt he came away from the experience a better player.<\/p>\n
“I really loved it, it was a good opportunity,” he added. “There’s definitely things I’ve worked out that need to be much better since being there.<\/p>\n
“I’ve been stretched massively, but we know now where we’re at and what the finishing goal looks like so we can work towards it.”<\/p>\n
McNabney will next be in action against the Stormers at Kingspan Stadium on Friday night, a match that will be broadcast live on BBC Two NI, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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