Ton-up Tuohy plans to catch Schmidt’s eye by delivering for Ulster

Dan Tuohy is planning to add to his seven international appearances for Ireland, but at present intends to put all his efforts into helping Ulster to further step up the European Cup ladder.

The 28-year-old Bristol-born lock celebrates his 100th cap for Ulster on Saturday afternoon when Mark Anscombe’s men take on Treviso at Stadio Comunale Monigo.

After destroying the Italians at Ravenhill last week with a seven-try 48-0 blitz, everyone is taking for granted that Ulster can double up comfortably.

Tuohy, who is probably playing the best rugby of his career thanks in part to his taking over as forward leader in the absence of skipper Johann Muller, is wary of a big backlash and while adding to his international credentials is on his bucket list, helping Ulster achieve their immediate goal is what he is focusing on at present.

“It’s been a season so far for me,” acknowledged Tuohy, who had a spell with Gloucester in 2008. “I’m very comfortable with the coaches, they know me well and what I’m capable of, and I’m also comfortable with my surroundings.

“I also have a little bit of extra motivation after the November internationals. I just enjoy playing at Ulster, I like the brand of rugby we are playing. It brings the best out in me and I feel really confident in my ability. Of course, I still want to put my hand up and play for Ireland — that will never die. If I have to pick up scraps of caps through the years, so be it.

“I have spoken to Joe [Schmidt] and he has been excellent. We were very honest with each other and it was a good way of dealing with things. He told me what I needed to do, and I know where I’m at and we are on the same page with that. He told me, ‘go and play for Ulster and we will be looking at you’. That’s all I needed to hear.

“I’m not only looking forward to Treviso this Saturday, which will be a very hard game, but also to the inter-provincials over Christmas, where I will be up against my opposition for an Ireland jersey. Take in

Montpellier and Leicester in the final games in Europe and that leads into the Six Nations, but that is obviously on the back-burner for me at present.

“We want to make a statement on Saturday and make believe that we are up with the best in Europe. Winning is non-negotiable in Italy,” said Tuohy, who was always fairly confident of hitting the ton mark with Ulster if he maintained his focus and fitness.

“I knew I was always capable of it,” said 6ft 7ins Tuohy, who came to Ulster via Exeter Chiefs back in 2009. “It has taken me four-and-half seasons to achieve that goal and I put that down to my fitness to get there and, of course, a few coaches believing in you.

“It hasn’t really sunk in yet, and I suppose it is a fantastic achievement. I’m still reasonably young and, if I stay fit, I would love to be able to hit 200, particularly if I stay at Ulster, which I want to do.”