Fighting fit Andrew Trimble out to make up for lost time

“Nobody thinks now about the 2014 Six Nations — except me, of course!” jokes Ulster and Ireland winger Andrew Trimble, at last confirming himself ready, willing and healthy to return to rugby after an injury-ravaged year.

Voted the Championship’s Player of the Year just 12 months ago the engaging 30-year-old is pointing out that his heroics in that winning season for his country won’t count when coach Joe Schmidt finally trims his 45-man World Cup squad on September 5..

Trimble was released briefly from the second week of a reportedly very tough pre-season training itinerary to help announce that communications giant BT is extending its current lucrative three-year sponsorship deal with Ulster Rugby for a further four years.