\n<\/p>\n
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.<\/b><\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“I’d love to nail down the full-back role. I feel that\u2019s where you can get the best out of me,” said McIlroy, who faces competition for the position from Mike Lowry among others.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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. <\/p>\n
“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. <\/p>\n
“I want to carry that on into this season and carry on that run of form and nail down a starting position.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n