They say: ‘when you are good enough, you are old enough’ and that is certainly the case with highly-talented young Hughes Insurance Ulster Academy player Sam Arnold. The 18 year-old has been selected as a replacement for Ulster’s Guinness PRO12 game against Newport Gwent Dragons and the match promises to be a very special occasion for the Ireland U20 player.
“I am really looking forward to it,” he says. “It could be a good day for me and if I get on, I will know my role and do a job if Doaky (Neil Doak) asks me. I am excited about the possibility of playing alongside players like Ruan Pienaar and Darren Cave and also people that I know really well like Rory Scholes.” 
It has been a rapid rise for Arnold, who originally hails from Essex. He starred for Ulster U20s as the province won the U20 interprovincial championship, scoring two tries against Leinster. His form for Ulster has seen him selected for Ireland U20s where he has played in all three matches in the U20 6 Nations so far. He showed great strength to fend off tacklers to set up a try for fellow Ulster player Jack Owens against France……………. CLICK HERE for the full STORY!
