Sexton 'proud' of Ulster's Ireland contingent
· Yahoo Sports
Ulster backs coach Mark Sexton says he is "proud" of the province's Ireland representatives who played their part in the recent Triple Crown success.
In the 2025 Six Nations, Ulster had just four representatives in the Ireland squad, but in victory over Wales earlier this month, seven players featured.
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The upturn in Ulster's fortunes this season played a significant role in that and with Stuart McCloskey - shortlisted for player of the championship - and Rob Baloucoune playing starring roles for Andy Farrell's side, it has given all at the Affidea Stadium an added boost.
"We've got 'Stu' [McCloskey] in the team of the championship and 'the Cat' [Baloucoune] the breakthrough player of the year at 28 which is pretty incredible," Sexton told BBC Sport NI.
"Nick [Timoney] has done such a good job, 'Doaky' [Nathan Doak] getting his first cap, Tom [Stewart] and Tom O'Toole doing such a good job and Jacob [Stockdale] doing so well when he got an opportunity, so we're just so proud of them all."
'We need to be more clinical against Zebre'
Baloucoune will miss the rest of the club season due to an elbow injury, but McCloskey and Timoney are in contention for this week's trip to face Zebre in the United Rugby Championship [19:45 GMT].
Sexton anticipates a "war" at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi against the Italian outfit who may bottom of the standings but "have the firepower to hurt you".
Ulster have their own issues to address following last weekend's home defeat by Connacht last week but remain in third in the URC standings as they enter the home straight with a European Challenge Cup tie at home to Ospreys to come the following week.
"We had an honest review [after Connacht] and talked about simple things like moving quicker, getting set quicker, off the ground quicker and then we can move the ball quicker," Sexton added.
"Our score per entry was quite low at the weekend, so we've put a lot of emphasis on that so when we get into the opposition's 22, we are a bit more accurate and come away with points.
"We're third in the table and want to make sure we're up at the top when the season comes to an end.
"It's important we don't get too far ahead of ourselves but look to the next challenge. We'll go to Zebre, hopefully put in a performance and take next week as it comes."