The No 7 who dazzles with intelligent play a symbol of Ulster’s resurgence, giving lethal combinations with Ferris, Henry, Anderson and Diack – WHAT A BACK ROW!
“He’s just one of those guys you see with that incredible desire to learn and play the game, his appetite is almost insatiable,”says Longwell, “He’s prepared to work unbelievably hard. It’s been great to see him get his chance this year because he’s improved with every game and the step-up was a natural progression for him.”
“I think Brian deserves a lot of credit for giving him a chance. He would have worked with him a lot at club level, so he wouldn’t have had any qualms about giving him an opportunity. He’s a very honest coach and he will pick people on form, not reputation. And it’s been no surprise to see him turning in the performances he has done so far this season — it’s what he would expect of himself.”
Longwell is gushing in his praise of the many facets to Faloon’s all-round game. “Well, his family train horses, so with all that experience behind him it’s no wonder he’s so strong in the tackle area,” says Longwell. “He’s used to breaking in horses, so it’s second nature to him. You’ll often see him not only going into the collision area with force, but he’ll emerge with the ball as well. He’s got that deceptive kind of wiry strength.“
“But he’s got all the attributes that a No 7 requires. He’s got great feet, a great sidestep. He can off-load with ease, his support play is second to none. I mean, those tries that everyone raved about on television, you can make those sort of runs 20 times in a match and nothing can happen.“
“The thing is, he makes those runs 20 times a match. He’s always alert. I was delighted to see him get those tries against Llanelli and Bath.”
“I just want to keep on playing,” says the player himself. “I want to be playing rugby and I am hoping there will be another chance for me against Edinburgh. Everything’s happening all at once for me.
“I have been thrown in at the deep end, but I don’t mind. I want to be here and I will take it any way I can. I am asking for no rests. I just want to keep playing. I will put myself out there again and give Ulster my all if I am playing.”
A tribute from Ferris sums up the impact Faloon is having on the rehabilitated Ulster men. “He is very strong at the breakdown and counter-rucking, and it is good to have him in there alongside Robbie Diack,” says the Irish international.
“Everyone who plays in this side knows they have to raise the bar and I was delighted to see Willie get the man-of-the-match award against Bath. But we know that whoever comes into the side, they will lift their game.”
Faloon has certainly done that. He may be in seventh heaven, but at the moment all his best work is done on the ground.
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