Rob Herring: Ulster hooker says ‘never say never’ on possible Ireland return

South Africa-born Herring initially found himself at London Irish as an academy player in 2009, having made the switch to the northern hemisphere when leaving school.

Following a spell playing provincial and university rugby back in his homeland, he was enticed back north by then Ulster Director of Rugby, David Humphries on an initial six-month contract in 2012.

With 258 appearances in the white jersey, east Belfast has now become home, but is yet to taste success with his adopted province.

Last season’s disappointing campaign has proven to be a motivating factor this term for Herring whose desire to secure silverware remains as strong as ever.

“I’ve really been motivated this year, having the summer off with a full pre-season,” he said.

“I think there’s a changing of the guard here. Last year we lost a lot of experience, so there is a new feel to the team now and that’s really motivating.

“Last year wasn’t a good year for us, that is clear, but it feels different this year. I’ve never won anything with Ulster, so that motivation and fire is in me to play my part to bring the squad back to where it should be.”

There have been some near misses in his career, with a crushing 17-15 defeat by the Stormers in a United Rugby Championship semi-final still fresh in the mind.

With the clock four minutes into the red and Ulster leading by five, Warrick Gelant levelled with Manie Libbok nailing the conversion to break Ulster hearts – a defeat that stings and another opportunity missed.

“The really disappointing this is we would have travelled back to have a home semi-final because the Bulls beat Leinster – that was a tough one,” Herring reflected.

“We’ve lost finals since I’ve been here, but that was one when he had a genuinely good team and were in a good place to go and win something, but it got away.”

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