Born in Cape Town. Forged in Ulster.

A Record-Breaking Journey of Perseverance and Triumph

On Friday, Rob Herring etched his name into the annals of Ulster Rugby history as he made his record-breaking 230th appearance for the province. The South African-born hooker arrived in Belfast as a young dream-chaser back in 2012, with little indication that he would go on to achieve such an extraordinary feat. But through sheer determination and persistence, he not only became a legend at Ulster but also a Grand Slam winner with Ireland.

A Remarkable Transformation from Rookie to Icon

Herring reflects on his journey with disbelief, stating “When I started here I never thought I’d have that record.” Now at the age of 33, he looks back on his time at Ulster fondly and admits that Belfast has become home to him. From unforgettable moments shared with incredible teammates to being part of a thriving community – it’s been nothing short of brilliant.

The path towards success wasn’t always smooth for Herring. Initially brought in as competition for other talented players vying for the Irish hooker position, he quickly won fans over with his tenacity and skillful play on the field. His international career kicked off when he made his debut for Ireland during their summer tour of Argentina in 2014 – an opportunity granted by virtue of having a Belfast-born grandfather. From there onwards, Herring’s presence grew significantly within Irish rugby circles. He earned an impressive 39 caps, contributing to Ireland’s triumphant Test series win in New Zealand and being part of the historic Grand Slam victory in the 2023 Six Nations.

The Mindset that Propelled Him Forward

Despite his accomplishments, Herring remains grounded. He attributes his success to a strong mentality characterized by stubbornness and competitiveness. These qualities pushed him through challenging times, secured his place on the team, and continue to fuel his desire for future achievements. Looking back at how he evolved into a professional athlete over the years, Herring confesses that taking care of his body became crucial. The hard work paid off as he consistently delivered outstanding performances on match days. Now as Ulster’s most-capped player ever, Herring is determined to make every remaining year count. With unwavering resolve until the end, this remarkable hooker aims to leave an even greater legacy behind.

A Memorable Milestone Against Munster

Herring’s record-breaking appearance against Irish rivals Munster was nothing short of dramatic. Introduced alongside seasoned teammate Iain Henderson and debutant prop Scott Wilson in the 50th minute, they ignited a stunning comeback for Ulster. Prior to kick-off, Herring experienced an emotional moment when presented with his commemorative jersey by his wife Nicola and young daughter Milly. Unbeknownst to him beforehand, it added an extra layer of significance to an already monumental day. As fate would have it, Rob Herring sealed the victory for Ulster with a game-defining turnover during Munster’s late attempt at scoring an equalizing try. Reflecting on this pivotal moment after putting everything on the line for his team once again,Herringsaid,”It wasn’t about me; it’s aboutthe teamwork,and giving our bestto secure theremarkablewin.” The fighting spirit displayed throughout perfectly encapsulates the essence of Ulster Rugby – a team united in pursuit of greatness.