Best leading Ulster charge for Ireland's tour of Australia
Five players chosen to face the Wallabies next month
Last updated 24th May 2018
Five Ulster players have been selected for Ireland’s tour of Australia.
Captain Rory Best, who led the side to a magnificent Grand Slam win, has retained his place along with Iain Henderson and Jacob Stockdale.
But scrum-half John Cooney has had to cancel plans for a holiday in Thailand.
He is also be on the plane next Friday (June 1) along with Rob Herring who has been rewarded for his form.
The first Test will see Ireland play the Wallabies at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on June 9, before travelling to Melbourne for the second test on June 16 and Sydney for the finale on June 23.
Speaking to Downtown and Cool FM as the Ireland team were honoured at Belfast city Hall, Best said there was perhaps extra pressure after Ireland’s superb recent run.
“We go down there with a lot of confidence,” he told us.
“Coming off the back of a Grand Slam and the number of victories you’ve had in row now – that brings confidence it also brings a little bit of pressure.
“But we are going to Australia under no illusions about how good they are and about how tough it is going to be to win a test match away from home."