Jack McGrath has no regrets about stepping outside his “comfort zone” and the Dublin bubble to chase major honours with Ulster.
The 56-times capped Ireland prop made an unlikely journey north last summer after spending almost a decade with all-conquering Leinster.
And the seasoned loosehead, who recently signed a contract extension until 2022, believes he has found a new lease of life at the Kingspan.
“It’s been brilliant for me,” he said. “Moving out of Dublin, having played for Leinster, it’s nice to get outside the bubble and test yourself somewhere else.
“Experiencing a different culture and stepping outside your comfort zone is a massive thing and it’s been great. I’ve loved every minute of it.”
McGrath, who celebrated Champions Cup success and won three Pro14 titles during his time with Leinster, is confident Ulster are on the cusp of something special.
The province has made massive forward strides under head coach Dan McFarland and has a lot to target in the coming weeks.
Two Interpros against Connacht this Sunday and Leinster on August 29 precede a likely Pro14 semi-final and potential final between now and September 12.
A Champions Cup quarter-final with Toulouse also lies in wait on September 20 as Ulster target a first European semi-final in eight years.
“I’ll make no bones out of - I moved up here to win silverware,” said McGrath.
“Having spoken to Dan and also seeing the quality of players and coaching staff here, I knew they were stepping in the right direction.
“I just believed the process they were going through. It’s going to be a successful time and I’m going to be here. I love it and it’s been unbelievably enjoyable.
“They’ve taken me in, the guys are unbelievable craic and it’s an enjoyable place to come into everyday.”
On returning to action against Connacht at an empty Aviva this weekend, the Lions prop said: “It’s a long old wait. Everyone is buzzing and the lads are just ready to go now.”
McFarland revealed earlier in the week that McGrath’s straight talking attitude has become an invaluable commodity as Ulster look to push standards on and off the pitch.
“If you want to get to the next level you can't leave any stone unturned,” agreed McGrath.
“There’s no point bigging people up if they haven’t done something right - you need to call them out. That's the ruthlessness of the sport that we are in.
“It's constructive criticism any time I would say it. I wouldn't just go at someone for no reason. What we're trying to do is push each to the next level every time we train.”
