Ulster 10-15 Connacht: Westerners get better of hosts in opening interpro fixture

Speaking to BBC Sport NI, Ireland back-row Boles felt her side lost control of the game in the closing stages.

“We came out strong in the first half, but we kind of lost our way in the second half and let Connacht get ahead.

“We were pushing to get back into it in the last five minutes, but it just wasn’t our day.

“We’ll focus on trying to control the match in those last five minutes more and where to play and where not to play.”

Despite the defeat, she said she was both proud of the side’s efforts and to lead out the squad.

“I’m so proud to have captained. I love being from Ulster, it’s my home.

“Each and every one of the girls makes you want to play harder and I’m so proud of them all.

“There are a lot of tough girls in our squad and there’s a lot of belief in us for the next few games and although it didn’t go our way, it’s closer than any of our other games and we’ll be back with all our fight.”

Ulster: Niamh Marley; Katie Gilmour, Caitlin Crowe, Lucy Thompson, Siobhan Sheerin; Abby Moyles, Rachael McIlroy; Sadhbh McGrath, Maebh Clenaghan, Sophie Barrett; Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan, Rebecca Beacom; Moya Hill, Christy Hill, Claire Boles (capt).

Replacements: Emily Whittle, Sarah Roberts, Ava Fannin, Ellen Patterson, Katie Hetherington, Amy McConkey, Leah Irwin, Ella Durkan.

Connacht: Clara Barrett; Anna McGann, Lyndsay Clarke, Siofra Hession, Ava Ryder; Meabh Deely, Aoibheann Reilly (co-capt); Ella Burns, Kara Mulcahy, Lily Morris; Faith Oviawe, Emma Fabby; Emma Kelly, Ailish Quinn (co-capt), Jemima Adams Verling.

Replacements: Stacy Hanley, Laura Scuffil, Hannah Rapley, Olivia Tallon, Hannah Johnston, Gráinne Moran, Alanna Fitzpatrick, Emily Foley.