I’ve proved nothing yet, says versatile Spence

ULSTER centre Nevin Spence would not look out of place as an altar boy singing Christmas carols.

With his blond-hair and angelic looks he may seem the ideal chorister, but there is a bit of a ruthless streak in the 20-year-old from Ballynahinch that Leinster will have to restrain in today’s sold out Magners League battle at Ravenhill.

Though normally a barn-storming wing, Spence has shown some neat touches in midfield where his talent helped Ulster to back-to-back European wins over Bath. Spence retains his number 13 jersey for the visit of their long-standing rivals, with Ballynahinch team-mate Paddy McAllister the only change up front; he takes over from Ireland’s Tom Court at loose-head.

Out in the backs, Niall O’Connor steps into the fly-half role with Ian Humphreys injured and Craig Gilroy returns to the right wing while in midfield Ian Whitten partners Spence, and the latter admits he’s really enjoying his elevation to the senior ranks.

“I’ve really enjoyed things this season, and feel at home at centre where I would definitely like to play. However, I’ll not complain if I’m on the wing; > I’ll play anywhere,” he said. Spence came under Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin’s radar when both were at Ballynahinch and the northern province now appear to be moving in the right direction. Spence agrees it has not been before time.

“There is no doubt that Ulster do not want to be in the shadow of Munster and Leinster any more. They (Ulster) have shown their intent and ambition with the signings they have made. Also, they are not afraid to bring along some of the younger players to make sure there is a good base for the future.

“Having just come from the Academy the structures in place are now top class. The fact that they are also based at the Newforge training ground of the senior side, it is not as daunting for young players. My ambitions are the same as most players, to fulfil one’s potential to whatever level that may be, but certainly the higher the level the better.

“I’ve only played those two games against Bath and I was fortunate to have played reasonably well and scored a decent try, but there is nothing proved yet, I’ve still a lot to learn. We’ll see when Darren Cave is back fit and well again.”

That try against Bath at the Rec was a bit of a tumbling act and Spence said that it was a great team effort.

“I think we went through about 20 phases before I got over. Earlier in the season, we hadn’t the patience,” enthused Spence.

“Some of the photographs of me scoring looked very acrobatic and a couple of friends said that I could have broken my neck the way I landed. But I put it down to the work of the strength and conditioning coaches that I was able to do a neck spring!”