Jacob taking stock after fairytale spring

Jacob Stockdale was just 13 years of age when he saw his Ireland heroes claim Ireland’s Grand Slam of 2009.

The thought of training and playing alongside stars such as Tommy Bowe for Ulster was just a fantasy back then as he watched the finale against Wales on the family sofa in Banbridge, so no wonder there is an element of surrealism for the 21-year-old wing as he prepares to run out for a ninth Test appearance this weekend in search of some Grand Slam glory of his own.

“It’s weird to realise I’m at this level now and playing regularly in the Six Nations,” Stockdale said. “If you told me that a year ago, I wouldn’t have believed it.