Jacob Stockdale stronger for Ulster experience

As he prepares for the upcoming World Rugby U20 Championship in Manchester later this month, Ireland’s Jacob Stockdale believes that his experience of playing in the Ulster first-team has turned him into a more confident player.

The versatile defender missed the opening three games of last spring’s U20s Six Nations campaign after Ulster’s director of rugby, Les Kiss, promoted him to the senior ranks, and he felt the benefit of this experience when he returned for the side’s victories over Italy and Scotland.

“The higher level you play, whenever you drop back a level, the level you were at before seems easier,” Stockdale remarked.