Baloucoune wants to take ‘every opportunity’Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Baloucoune has five Ireland caps ByJana McCabeBBC Sport NI journalistPublished57 minutes agoIreland wing Rob Baloucoune stated he will “take every opportunity” after his “surprise” involvement in the squad ahead of the match against England (14:10 GMT).Baloucoune had not featured for Ireland since November 2022 due to injury before starting and scoring against Italy in last week’s Six Nations action.The wing only played twice for Ulster last season after an injury-impacted year and missed this season’s opener due to an ankle injury.Since returning, he has been in great form and has made a huge impact during Ulster’s promising United Rugby Championship [URC] season so far.”To be honest, yeah probably,” Baloucoune replied when asked if he thought he might not get another opportunity to play at international level.”It had been a while and playing for Ulster even looked a bit dreadful. I got a good run of games this season, was playing well and the team were playing well which helped my ability to get back into the game and scoring tries always helps.”I was surprised to be in camp so I took the opportunity to play the game [against Italy] and I will take every opportunity I can get.”Last campaign, Baloucoune returned from a long-term hamstring injury in March before suffering another set-back shortly after, which sidelined him until October.Since his comeback, he has registered six tries for Richie Murphy’s side, who sit fourth in the URC.”Last year was probably my toughest year, I had quite a number of big setbacks,” he continued. “I had a couple times nearly come back playing and then got pushed back. I had injuries over the years and I try to get back to as fit as I can. I try to focus on parts of my game, like handling, that I can try improve when injured. “It can be tough, but I try set markers for where I want to be and I feel like if you have a goal in place, you can always track it and get back into it.”‘England will be hurting’As well as balancing playing for Ulster and Ireland, Baloucoune has also taken up a new role as a coach at Enniskillen Rugby Club.The 28-year-old helps with the backs and believes his new role has improved his own game.”I am even helping coaching with Enniskillen and you see the game from a different style.”It has opened my mind up to what the players have to do and what they sense and that has brought my game along.”I hope I can show out on the pitch now as well.”Ireland will look to build on their positive result against Italy when they travel to play England.Steve Borthwick’s outfit come into the game on the back of a heavy defeat by Scotland with Baloucoune adding that Ireland are prepared for the challenging game.”Going to Twickenham is something you can always get up for,” he added.”We know it is going to be tough as well, they are going to be hurting and the game is going to be physical and we know what we have to bring.”We looked at their kicking game and I think that is something that we dealt with in the other games. “In the Italy game we dealt with their kicks and it was a good way to get back into the game. We have a gameplan in place.”Related topicsUlster
