Nathan Doak: Ireland’s roof ‘next step’ for Ulster scrum-half

Ulster half-half Nathan Doak says the county has “a lot at stake” in Saturday’s Challenge Cup tie against Stade Francais at Avidia Stadium (13:00 GMT).

The governing body of professional European club rugby [EPCR] Richie Murphy’s side handed a 28-0 win and maximum points on Sunday when their Challenge Cup tie against the Cheetahs was not rescheduled after being postponed due to sub-zero temperatures and snow.

Now, despite already qualifying for the last 16, Ulster have a chance to clinch top spot in Group C and a home tie with victory over Stade Francais, who are third in the Top 14 and top of the group.

“We want to be strong, fast and physical,” Doak told BBC Sport NI.

“We are back home, we are confident and we are playing against a top French team to top our group, so we have a lot at stake.

“We’re really looking forward to it.”

Doak recently signed a contract extension that will keep him at Ulster until the summer of 2028.

The 24-year-old has played a key role for the county this year and aims to take his impressive form to the international stage.

Despite being called up to Ireland’s squad for the summer tour, he failed to win his first cap.

However, he did make two Ireland A caps and was also part of the emerging Ireland squad that toured South Africa in 2022.

He continued: “From a personal point of view, this is the next step I want to take.”

“I wanted to take the next step here and step into the starting jersey and do well for Ulster. I would love to get the chance to do that on the biggest stage.

“That’s the feedback I got, they said Ulster should win and you should be in the middle of the action.”