Connacht vs Ulster: Nick Timoney on friends leaving, his future and Ireland frustration
Ulster back-row Nick Timoney says he will never take his place in the squad for granted after years of watching players come and go at Kingspan Stadium.
Timoney has made 155 appearances for the club since making his debut in 2017 and is one of the most experienced players in an increasingly youthful Ulster side.
However, when he made his breakthrough, the Dubliner admitted to being shocked at how the departure of the experienced campaigner had changed the dynamic of the squad.
“My first few years at Ulster, I remember a lot of lads leaving, Tommy (Bow), Trimby (Andrew Trimble), Roger Wilson and Ruane Pienaars all Gone,” Timoney recalled when asked about his close friend Greg. Jones left the club earlier this year.
“I remember thinking that was a very striking element because the whole dynamic of the team seemed to change.
“I swore to myself that I would never take it for granted, people come and go all the time. Obviously, you’re very close to people and you don’t want to forget that. But when you’re around for longer, That’s a little bit different for your friends who are going.
“That’s the nature of it, but it’s hard and it’s sad. Every year, there’s reasoning and logic behind it and progression and that’s it, and I’m sure it will be the same for me one day.”
