‘You’ve got to be realistic. When you play rugby, your career can end at anytime’
Ulster fan favourite, Luke Marshall certainly hit the ground running on his return from long-term injury this season.
The dynamic centre has faced no shortage of challenges in his career – from his well-documented series of concussions to a torn ACL in the last game of the 2017-2018 season.
Marshall made his return to action as a replacement for Darren Cave in Ulster’s pulsating 21-18 European quarter-final defeat in Dublin. Two minutes after coming onto the field Marshall bulldozed his way over the whitewash.
His impressive impact at the tail-end of Ulster’s season was due in no small part to Marshall’s resilience – apart from the usual rehab, Marshall dedicated himself to improving his skills and doing everything possible to return to match action as sharp as possible.
Here, Ulster’s inspirational fan favourite, Luke Marshall, chats to Ulster Rugby Lad about what made him the player he has become.
Who or what made you passionate about rugby?
My dad and my two brothers played rugby before me so it was in the family and my dad also coached. I suppose I really just wanted to follow in their footsteps.
Who was your biggest influence growing up (both in rugby and outside rugby)?
Again, my family and more specifically my dad. They were always so supportive and they gave me a lot of the inspiration needed to pursue a career in rugby.
When did you first think you had a chance of making it as a professional rugby player?
Probably not really until I got into the Ulster Academy, up to that point I thought it was just an unrealistic pipe dream!
What is the best advice you have been given?
Hard work beats talent.
What would you tell your 17-year-old self?
Work harder in school.
What would you be doing if you didn’t play for Ulster?
I don’t even want to think about that!
What’s the best and worst thing about being a professional rugby player?
Getting paid to do your favourite hobby is the best thing. The worst thing is how sore your body is after a game.
Career highlight/lowlight?
My highlight was winning the Ballyclare mini rugby tournament when I was in p5.
My low point was missing the last kick of the game to lose against Methody in the schools cup semi-final.
When you think of the word ‘successful’ who’s the first person who comes to mind and why?
Tiger Woods – he absolutely dominated his sport and totally changed the game.
What is something you believe that other people would find strange or disagree with?
I prefer dogs to people.
What is your favourite documentary or movie?
Would have to be Braveheart or Gladiator.
Spending time with my dogs and maybe having a cup of coffee to get me going.
What obsessions do you explore in your free time?
Walking my dogs and trying to find new places to walk them.
What topic would you speak about if you were asked to give a TED talk on something outside of rugby?
Animals.
What is the best/ most worthwhile purchase/investment you’ve made?
My boat.
Everything happens for a reason.
What is the worst advice you see or hear being dispensed in the rugby world?
Never believe what is said about you whether good or bad.
How has a failure, or apparent failure set you up for a later success?
All of my injuries have led to something better and have made a stronger as an individual.
What have you changed your mind about in the past few years? Why?
Letting my wife do work to the house, she has finally got her way!
What are your plans post rugby?
Hopefully moving out to the countryside and leading a more quiet existent with a steady job.
Thanks Luke!
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