Ross Kane steps up for Ulster against Newport-Gwent Dragons

There’s nothing like being tossed in at the deep end on the rugby succession ladder; such is the case for 21-year-old Ross Kane who will make his Ulster debut this evening in the opening Guinness PRO12 clash of the season when Newport-Gwent Dragons visit Kingspan Stadium (7.35pm kick-off).

Still wet between the ears as far as senior rugby is concerned, the Ballymena prop, who is part of the Ulster Academy, will get more of an inkling of what rugby is really like in the dark corridors of the front row.

Director of rugby Les Kiss had little option but to give the number three jersey to the Bangor-born prop after yet another injury-ravaged start to the season for Ulster.