Nick Timoney Aims for Six Nations After Strong Autumn Series

Nick Timoney’s recent performances for Ireland during the Autumn Series have bolstered his ambitions for participation in the upcoming Six Nations. The backrower, who plays for Ulster, added two caps to his international tally, bringing his total to six. His notable contributions included a start and a try against Japan, as well as a crucial role off the bench in the match against Australia.

“It was good to be involved with the full squad again,” Timoney reflected, acknowledging the changes in the team dynamics with the return of players from the Lions tour and head coach Andy Farrell. He expressed that competing against Australia felt significant, as it marked the first time he faced a Tier One nation in a match.

Timoney noted the benefits of being selected for the bench in the Australia game, stating, “It felt at times like it’s either been starting or not in the squad.” With the return of Josh van der Flier to the lineup for the final Test against South Africa, Timoney was not included in the match day squad. This absence meant that Ulster had no representation in what was anticipated to be a physically demanding encounter with the Springboks.

“I thought it was enjoyable to be part of the Ireland squad,” Timoney said, emphasizing that he felt more involved than in previous campaigns. Despite only featuring in two matches, he remains hopeful that his performances will pave the way for a place in the Six Nations roster.

As Ulster prepares to embark on a critical stretch of their season, Timoney is eager to return to the pitch. They are set to host Benetton Rugby, as they begin a daunting series of ten matches that will significantly shape their season. Timoney missed the last game, which resulted in Ulster’s first defeat of the season against the Lions at the end of October, due to his commitments with the Ireland team in Chicago.

“It’s been a fairly positive start to the season,” he stated, noting that Ulster has secured three wins from four matches, with a game in hand against Edinburgh scheduled for March. “We want to keep showing that we are progressing,” he added, indicating a desire for momentum following the disappointing loss at the Lions.

The upcoming match against Benetton Rugby offers Timoney and his teammates an opportunity to regain their footing in the league. With the season entering a pivotal phase, the team is focused on harnessing their early-season success to push forward. Timoney’s recent experiences with the national team could play a crucial role in his performance and leadership on the field as Ulster seeks to solidify their standing in the competition.