Almost 15 months after playing in Brumbies colours for the last time in the 2019 Super Rugby semi-finals, Sam Carter will line up for another tilt at a major final.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Quirindi product will play for Irish powerhouse Ulster in their Pro14 semi-final against Edinburgh at Murrayfield on Saturday night (UK time).
The 30-year old is no stranger to big games. During his nine seasons with the Brumbies he was involved in six finals campaigns.
READ ALSO:
It will however be his first time playing at the home of Scottish Rugby, and as the Belfast Newsletter reported, he is "really looking to the challenge".
"I know the Edinburgh team are going to be up for it," Carter said.
"If you can't get up for a semi-final I don't know when you will."
Things haven't exactly gone to plan for the lock since arriving at the club in the 2019 English summer. First there was a complicated return from shoulder surgery and then the season was put on hold because of COVID.
Consequently their final round clash with Leinster last week was Carter's first start for 41 weeks - his last coming against Bath in the Championships Cup back in November.
"I came over here with a lot of expectation to play footie and I was really enjoying it then I got that set back against Bath, I was out for a long time then COVID hit and I hadn't played footie in near a year," he said.
"I'm loving being back, training and getting out there with the lads and ripping in that is what we love doing."
Ulster will need to turn their form around if they are to progress. They have lost both of their games since the competition resumed on August 22.