Spence convinced the future’s bright for Ulster

THE impression when Ulster forked out on a glut of South African imports last summer was one of a side looking for a quick fix, but Nevin Spence believes the long-term future is bright ahead of their crucial tie with Biarritz.

Beat the Basques in Belfast by more than seven points this Saturday and the Irish province will be just one more victory, against Aironi, from qualifying for the Heineken Cup knockout stages for the first time in a dozen years.

That would more than justify the expensive acquisition of Ruan Pienaar and his compatriots but it would also help reintroduce a winning culture with which to encourage the up-and-coming natives, of which Spence is one.