Connacht v Ulster: Derby against Irish provinces ‘special’ says Cormac Isochukwu

Ulster lock Cormac Isochukwu says “provincial pride” is what helps make the Irish derby special as the team prepares to face Connacht this weekend.

Richie Murphy’s side travel to Discom Stadium on Saturday (17:30 GMT) for the second of three straight matches against Irish rivals in the United Rugby Championship (URC).

Northern Province are looking to bounce back after a narrow 24-20 loss to Leinster last time out.

Meanwhile, the hosts go into the game on the back of a comprehensive loss to the Dragons.

“Connacht away, Leinster away, Munster at home, they are special,” Isochukwu told BBC Sport NI.

“There’s something about them, they’re class and class to play with.

“For me, it’s about taking pride in the county, going out there and showing what we’re about.”

Izuchukwu, who has not played since early October due to a recurring foot injury followed by illness last week, has just signed a new two-year contract to keep him at Ulster until the summer of 2028.

The 25-year-old second-row added that he has “grown as a person and a player” since joining the Ulster academy in 2020.

“This has been on my mind for a while and I’m very happy to get it done and get back to playing rugby,” Izuchukwu continued.

“I came back here in 2020, I didn’t have a lot of options, and they gave me a chance. I came here, made friends and developed as a person and a player.

“I’ve made great memories here and for me, with how the club has grown, I’m very happy to be here.”