Ulster lock Cormac Izuchukwu says "pride in the province" is what helps make Irish derbies special as the side prepare to take on Connacht this weekend. "Connacht away, Leinster away and Munster at home, they are special," Izuchukwu told BBC Sport NI. "For me it is having pride in the province, going down there and showing what we are about." The 25-year-old second row added that he has "grown as a person and a player" since joining the Ulster academy in 2020. "It has been on my mind for a while now, so really happy to get it done and to get back to playing rugby," Izuchukwu continued.

Source: BBC December 24, 2025 22:28 UTC