LANDMARK FOR ULSTER’S LUDIK
Daire Walsh
AHEAD of his landmark 100th appearance for the side against Scarlets in the PRO14 at Kingspan Stadium tonight, Louis Ludik has admitted he never expected to have such longevity in an Ulster shirt.
Following a one-season stint in France with Agen, Ludik arrived at the northern province in 2014.
The South African has since become a regular back-three starters under a succession of head coaches, including incumbent Dan McFarland.
Indeed, he has become so accustomed to life in Belfast that he plans to remain in the city with his family after his playing career draws to a close.
“You don’t plan ahead that long in rugby, you just play contract to contract and hope it goes well. It just comes along. It’s great we’re there now, but when you get to a place you never think you’ll be there for four or five years. Especially away from home,” said Ludik at a Kingspan coaching masterclass on Tuesday.
Enjoying
“You don’t expect to fall in love with a place and make it your home and it be so special in the end. Obviously Ulster and Belfast has done that and it’s a very special place. It’s home for us now and obviously we’re enjoying it.
“At this stage we’re thinking of staying behind in Belfast after rugby. There’s a lot of stuff outside of rugby that’s going on that we’re trying to set up for life after rugby.
“We’re really enjoying it, so it’s definitely in the plans at the moment.”