Rugby dictated that Simon Mason would seek to confirm a future in the sport in Ireland. Ballymena was the ultimate destination once he had taken the decision to try and resurrect not just his international career but rediscover an appetite for club fare. A professional rugby player, he was determined that he would not yet trawl the backwaters.

Friendships demanded that he turn to Ulster first and then Ballymena to pursue his career, despite an uncertain beginning. "I arrived in July when the troubles had flared up again and I remember initially thinking, `oh what have I done?"' But I soon settled, with the help of Ballymena man Rodney Cole and his family with whom I stayed for a month.

"There was an acclimatisation period of four to six weeks in which I tried to find my feet. Even then, before we went to achieve the great success in the European Cup, I found the people unfailingly polite and friendly. I had been to Ireland before but obviously this was going to be for a longer period.

"My introduction to the Ulster squad wasn't that imposing given that I knew some of the guys from my Ireland days. I received a bit of stick about the Liverpool accent but I soon came to realise that there was a special team spirit and I found it easy to fit in. Harry Williams put a great deal of faith in me and that allowed me to relax. It's a very social environment within the squad and that helps you to relax. It was a marked contrast to my time at Richmond. I was a youngster in London on a very good full-time contract, embarking on a professional career. It was a culture shock in some respects.

"I moved in with Justin (Fitzpatrick) and Stephen (Bell) in September and we seem to get on fine. Certainly the squabbles are only minor ones. I would compare living in Ulster to my family home, on the Wirral on Merseyside. There is that big community spirit where everyone knows everyone." Mason has been taken aback by the depth of public feeling to Ulster's exploits. "I think the response has been remarkable. This is a mixed squad, not that that's an issue, but what we have achieved should give hope to Irish rugby." And as for the final itself? "I am determined to enjoy it. When you win a first cap, nerves are definitely a factor and the day tends to rush by.

"But today I don't have to prove anything. I want to smile, take in the occasion and enjoy it. This should not be a trial. In international rugby the pinnacle may be winning a Triple Crown or Grand Slam. But as somebody pointed out this is likely to be a once off, a European Cup final - a day to be cherished."