David McIlwaine has played rugby for Larne and Queen’s and this year he was awarded a place with Ulster Rugby’s Academy squad. At just 21 years old, David has proved he is one player to watch this season, having already broken into the senior squad and played in his first Heineken Cup match.

How did you feel when you were told you had been selected for the Ulster Academy?

It was a mixture of relief and excitement if I’m honest. Some of the other guys in the team would have played more rugby than I did while they were at school, so it took me a bit longer to catch up. I played well for Queen’s last season and I was hoping it would lead onto something else, so it’s great to have made it into the Academy squad and I’m hoping things will continue to go well.

Many would say you have risen to the challenge which was set before you, as you have already been selected to play for the senior squad on a few occasions. How has that been for you?

It has been really good. The first two games I started in were easier in a way, as you are able to get into thematch straightaway and play alongside the rest of the team. The last three games, when I came off the bench were slightly harder to settle into as you’re trying to fit into the state of play, but I’m getting used to it again and I think I’ve slotted in well.

How do you find training, now that you are based with the senior squad at Newforge?

It has been immense to be able to work with Brian (McLaughlin) and Neil (Doak). Jeremy (Davidson) has been a great help too, because even though he spends most of his time coaching the forwards, he has given me a lot of advice with regards to contact and other issues in the game, but it’s helped me so much and I think it’s shown in my performances.

To be able to train alongside the senior players is great too, and they’re always encouraging and helping me along the way. Bryn, who has sadly had to retire, was always giving me advice and helping me out if I had a problem. Ian (Humphreys) and Niall (O’Connor) are also a great help when we’re on the pitch and they are controlling the game. They will always talk and advise us on how we can help them out and how you can help yourself in the matches.

You mentioned Bryn in your last answer. He has already said how hard it’s been for him to come to the decision he has and the players and supporters alike have spoke of their disappointment for him. Do you feel his retirement has had a greater affect on you as he was also a fullback and was there to help you along the way?

I’ll miss him around here. I’ve always been able to ask him questions and nothing is too much to ask. He’s the sort of guy where you can have a quick chat with him, and ask how he would deal with something.

You have tried to break into the Ulster Academy on a couple of other occasions. Were you disappointed when you didn’t make it the final squad, and did it encourage you to fight harder to earn a spot the following year?

It was slightly disappointing, but I tried to remain focused on my rugby. I worked hard to improve my game and to play well for Queen’s. I came through the club system, which is different to a lot of the other guys on the squad who came through the school system. They have played a lot more rugby than me, so I had to work long and hard to catch up with them.

Have you ever been a member of a Schools’ side?

No, I haven’t. I played for Larne Rugby Club from the ages of 5 – 18 and it was a great experience for me. I has some great coaches throughout my time at Larne and I came through their system to play for the Ulster Youths and Irish Youths. Neil Doak was a coach with the Ulster U19s at the time and brought me into the squad. After that, I had the chance to play for the U20s under the coaching of Gary Longwell and Terry McMaster.

You are also studying at uni alongside your rugby training. How do you balance the two?

I’m currently studying Sports Science at Jordanstown – people always look at me when I say that because I play for Queen’s – but Queen’s is an open club and I know other guys who play for Queen’s, yet they attend Jordanstown.

It has been a lot harder to balance rugby and studying this year, but I’ve been very lucky as Jordanstown have been very supportive. I’m not always able to get to every class, but I’m studying part-time, which has made it a little easier. I’ve one module left to complete but the busiest days of my timetable are at the beginning of the week, which is the same as my training schedule.

You made your first Heineken Cup appearance last week against Aironi. How do you feel your performance went?

I was really looking forward to getting out there as it’s the competition that all the top players in the world want to play in, so it was a challenge and a really big stage for me to show everyone what I can do, but I had already faced Aironi when I started against them in the Magners’ so I knew what to expect from them. I didn’t really notice a step up in intensity, but I think this week will be a different challenge for us all.

What are your personal goals for the season?

My personal goals have changed a lot since the summer. At the beginning of the summer, I wanted to get through pre-season and play well for Queen’s, but now that I have been given the chance to play with the senior squad I’m hoping I’ll be able to stay involved for the rest of the season, whether it’s starting or on the bench. Ulster has some great players on the wings and at fullback at the minute, like Andrew Trimble, Simon Danielli and Jamie Smith, and they played most of last season. I need to make sure I work hard to make an impact and play well.

How do you feel your season has gone so far?

I think it’s gone well. I was on the wings for my first two games, which took a while to get used to as I haven’t played much there, but now that I’m at fullback again, I feel more at home.

And how do you feel the season has gone for the squad?

It’s been brilliant! From the start of pre-season and right through to now, there has been a fantastic balance and atmosphere with all of the guys. We’re really confident and want to do well this season and I think the fact that we’re unbeaten in the Magners’ (and currently the Heineken), it’s really building a platform for us and we’re looking forward to Biarritz.

Your brother Stuart also plays rugby. Are you supportive of each other’s rugby career or are you fiercely competitive?

Stuart finished school this year and is playing his rugby for Queen’s, but he’s due to go to the Irish U20’s camp this week to train with the squad. We talk to each other all the time and help each other out with our games, but from a very young age we were always competing against each other and trying to out-run each other in the garden!

How proud is your family of your achievement this year?

They are very proud! I’m always getting phone calls from friends and the wider family circle as well, with everyone asking how I’m getting on and congratulating me. It can be overwhelming at times but it’s also lovely to know they are all behind me and supporting me every step of the way.