“I’m getting slagged for it already” – Robert Baloucoune reacts after unexpected Ireland moment
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Rising star
Robert Baloucoune has admitted he is already taking a bit of stick from his Ireland team-mates after being named the Six Nations Rising Star at the age of 28.
The Ulster winger was one of the standout performers during Ireland’s Triple Crown-winning campaign, scoring three tries as Andy Farrell’s side beat Wales, England and Scotland.
But Baloucoune could not help but laugh at the irony of picking up an award usually associated with much younger players.
“The award was a bit of a shock. I’m 28 and getting the Rising Star,” Baloucoune said.
“I’m getting slagged for it already, so I’m sure I’ll get slagged by a lot more people. But I’m grateful for it and people are seeing what I’ve put in out there.”
It has been a long road back into the Ireland fold for the Enniskillen man. First capped in 2021, injuries meant Baloucoune spent long periods on the fringes of the squad before finally getting another chance this season.
And there were moments in his career when it looked like things could have gone very differently.
“Throughout my career, there’s times where … I got dropped from Ulster and I got an opportunity from James (Topping with the Ireland 7s.)
“I was meant to be going to university and leaving Ulster. I was meant to go to university in England and that would have probably been the end of rugby.”
Baloucoune says the journey has made the recent success even sweeter.
“I’m grateful for the opportunities and everyone who has helped me along the way, even since school where I didn’t really know the rules!
“Being here is something I wouldn’t have expected and I’m grateful.”
After playing his part in Ireland’s Triple Crown success, the winger admitted the experience was something he never saw coming.
“It feels like a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience for me because I wasn’t expecting it when I came in. It’s been an unbelievable experience. To finish it off like that has been class.”
Now, after finally getting a run of games in green, Baloucoune believes there is more to come.
“Hopefully it’s now an upward trajectory and I’ll try to push on.”
