There is a definite feel-good buzz around Ravenhill at present.
The season is going well results-wise, with Ulster sitting snugly at third in the URC table, popular head coach Richie Murphy has just signed a deal to stay on until 2028 and there was good news from the national selectors during the week also.
Ulster have been something of an Ireland afterthought over the past few years with minimal representation, and occasionally none.
Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile
But this week’s Ireland Six Nations squad featured seven Ulster players, and there were another eight included in the Ireland XV squad to face England A.
It is tangible recognition of the improvements up north and now the goal for those selected is to press their case for further elevation into the match-day squads and starting sides.
Not least Nathan Doak, one of two uncapped players – along with Edwin Edogbo – in the Six Nations squad.
Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Doak has been in superb form, a real driving force in Ulster’s upsurge, and he offers something different style-wise to Jamison Gibson-Park and Craig Casey.
Doak, having learned as understudy to John Cooney, plays a similar style – the French le petit general, director of operations approach which takes advantage of his excellent kicking game and helps young out-half Jack Murphy by sharing the game management load.
Today, Doak and Murphy are at half-back in Wales as they take on a Scarlets side who have better players than their bottom-of-the-table position would indicate.
Pic: Shaun Roy/Sportsfile
Blair Murray, Tom Rogers and Elliot Mee are a dangerous attacking back three, so Ulster will need to be vigilant out wide, and Taine Plumtree and captain Josh Macleod are quality flankers.
But Ulster have some serious heavy hitters, led by Stuart McCloskey at inside centre, and their back row of David McCann, Nick Timoney and Bryn Ward can do serious damage. And then there is Doak.
If the front five, including Wallaby Angus Bell and captain Iain Henderson, give their scrum-half good ball to work with, he can cut loose and stake his claim for Paris.