WHEN Brett Herron put pen to paper, he saw doors potentially opening for him at Ulster. Just not as quickly as this.
With George Ford and Rhys Priestland to contend with at the Rec, his chances of first team rugby at any stage this season were slim had he not made his way to the exit door.
Ulster came calling and in April, the 20-year-old decided that, with Paddy Jackson set for more regular international duty following Ian Madigan’s move to France, the opening was there.
“That was definitely a factor,” Herron said at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.
“With the depth of the squad where I was before, it was credit to them but unfortunately it didn’t allow me much of a chance. Paddy is going to be away a lot and it might mean that I’ll be asked upon. That’s something I’ll really try and step up to, and enjoy the challenge.”
He mightn’t, however, have foreseen so much game time in his early weeks. But a clever kick through for a Jacob Stockdale against Exeter and a fine cross-kick for fellow new recruit Charles Piutau against Northampton both led to tries as Herron caught the eye.
That game time and the unavailability of Jackson for Friday night’s Pro12 opener against Newport Gwent Dragons means the Irish-qualified youngster will be handed his first competitive start.
Did he think it would happen so soon: “Honestly, no. I thought that it was going to come in time, and it would be a case of grinding it out. I’ve been very fortunate to be offered the chance to play in these pre-season games so far, and I’ve really relished that opportunity.
“It’s been fantastic, the two away games and the first runout at Kingspan. I’m really, really just enjoying my rugby right now. For a young guy, that’s quite a crucial aspect of it, to go out there and keep learning and keep trying to develop.
“It's been extremely valuable, the run-outs in preseason. Blow the cobwebs away and just get the knowledge and your body up to game speed. It helps with your decision making and your game mapping. As it's went on, it's been better and better. I think it's very important to have that under my belt before the season starts.”
A product of the prestigious Wellington College, Herron - who has played bits and pieces at inside-centre - signed for Bath straight out of school and made his debut for their ‘A’ team, Bath United, in 2014.
But he suffered a bad knee injury and missed virtually the whole of his first season. When he returned, he found that first team chances were limited.
“I really wanted to play the highest level of rugby and after weighing it all up I decided that Ulster was the best place for me to achieve that," he added.
“With the amazing coaches, the world class players and obviously the facilities, I thought it was a place I could really kick on. I'm enjoying the process so far.”
A former England U18 international, he is Irish qualified through his father, who was born in Belfast. That, though, is not on his radar just now: “Being Irish qualified, I want to play the highest level possible but I'm not thinking about that now. I'm just thinking about Ulster and hopefully getting my first run-out.”
