Confident Cooney ready to replace Pienaar
Last updated 15th Aug 2017
Ulster's new scrum-half John Cooney says he's 'up for the challenge' of replacing Ruan Pienaar.
The 27-year-old Ireland international joined the province after spells with Leinster and Connacht, and believes he can fill the gap left by the controversial departure of the Springbok legend.
"Obviously it's a big deal with Ruan leaving, but I prefer to come into a place where a big name has been before because I like the challenge. I'd rather try to fill big boots rather than small boots," he said.
Cooney has outlined his intention to lock down the number 9 shirt, as he aims to feature more frequently than he did for his previous club.
"That was the main thing. With Ruan leaving, I knew I'd get more game-time. I wanted to start all the big games. I don't want to be starting one week, subbing the next."
He joins at a time of upheaval and change at Kingspan, with a crowd of new faces both on and off the pitch.
"People are concentrating on some of the players we have. But I think the culture we're building is quite different. With Jono Gibbes coming in, he's making us a lot tougher and the confidence has gone right up, and I think there's a lot more to this team than just the players."
Ulster begin their preseason on Thursday the 17th of August, hosting Wasps at the Kingspan Stadium.