Constable's lot is a happy one

Saracens victory over Toulouse at Stade Les Septs Deniers was arguably the outstanding result of last weekend's opening skirmishes…

Saracens victory over Toulouse at Stade Les Septs Deniers was arguably the outstanding result of last weekend's opening skirmishes in the Heineken European Cup. It firmly established the English club's credentials as potential competition winners and also serves to highlight the enormity of the task facing Ulster when they travel to Vicarage Road on Sunday.

Munster's double victory over Saracens last season demonstrates what can be achieved but bears little relevance for Sunday's encounter. Thomas Castaignede's decision to don Saracens' colours has given Francois Pienaar's charges greater potency, a fact reflected in the brilliant Frenchman's performance against his former club Toulouse.

Yesterday morning at Ravenhill the Ulster squad occupied themselves with a video analysis of Saracens. Afterwards three players - Ryan Constable, Paddy Johns and Brad Free - all former Saracens players, offered an insight into former team-mates. From an Ulster perspective the capture of the South African-born, former Australian international Constable represents the most significant coup from the summer wheeling and dealing.

The 28-year-old has formed an impressive midfield partnership with Jonathan Bell, providing the northern province with a cutting edge in the centre. His try against Cardiff last Friday night epitomised his quality, quick feet and tremendous acceleration.

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Constable has settled quickly. "Things have gone fantastically well. I love Belfast and am really enjoying the set-up with Ulster, on and off the pitch. It's a very professional outfit and the crowd support we receive is brilliant. We now have quite a secure platform at set pieces, having sorted out one or two minor difficulties.

"Humphs (David Humphreys) is running the backline and we are starting to get quite sharp. We feel that we are playing a very good standard of rugby but have lacked the self-belief to win on a couple of occasions: things are definitely progressing in the right direction."

Constable spent three years at Saracens, arriving at the club having played alongside Tim Horan for Queensland and being capped once for Australia, against Ireland in 1994. A superb Sevens player, Constable has captained Australia at the Hong Kong Sevens and up until this year was a regular member of an Australian Sevens squad.

He had intended to return to Australia and could have looked forward to the World Sevens in Argentina early next year but his decision to go to Ireland may curtail that aspect of his career.

This good news from an Ulster perspective is tempered by the fact that the province, and by extension his new club Dungannon, have agreed to release him for much of December to pursue business and personal affairs, the latter including attending Australian centre Daniel Herbert's wedding to an Irish girl.

Constable enjoys fond memories of his Saracens days including a six try haul in one game against Bedford, an individual record for the English Premiership. "It was a very professional organisation, a lot of resources, fantastic facilities and great supporters. I really enjoyed my time there but can't wait to go back on Sunday.

"You play the game to compete against the best. They will be delighted after an outstanding result against Toulouse. I enjoy playing in a different ground with different fans and conditions. In Europe you need to win your three home games and one away match to stand any chance. Away matches have to be viewed as must win games, no matter whom the opposition."

Constable is modest about his contribution to date. "I'm just trying to fit into the team. The pattern that Ulster want to play, the expansive approach, suits my style. I suppose I look to bring the qualities of a Sevens player to the 15-man game. I'm really enjoying my rugby."

He intimated that he would like to remain in Ireland. I want to give it serious consideration because I'm happy and am enjoying the rugby but it is difficult to do that on a one-year contract scenario. Most players would like to commit for two or three years and you would imagine that the powers that be would look for that sort of commitment from a player."

If Constable maintains his current performance levels, Ulster would be foolish not to secure a long-term commitment sooner rather than later.