Interpro against Leinster 'a spicy one' - Ward

Ulster back row Bryn Ward says the rivalry with Irish interprovincial rivals Leinster makes Friday's interprovincial game between the two teams at the Affidea Stadium "a spicy one".

Ulster sit third in the table, one point ahead of Leo Cullen's charges, before the encounter in Belfast, and aim to avenge a narrow 24-20 loss to Leinster in their previous United Rugby Championship meeting in Dublin in December.

"Any home interpro at home is a spicy one, but with Leinster I just think it goes to the next level," Ward told BBC Sport NI's Gavin Andrews.

"We know them so well and guys are competing against their opposite numbers to try and get into a green jersey as well.

"We're really looking forward to it. We don't really know what sort of team they are going to send up, but it doesn't really matter, they have a lot of talent and a lot of depth, but we're looking forward to it, to the challenge, and I really hope it stays dry."

Ulster will face Exeter Chiefs for a place in the European Challenge Cup final in early May but are also well in the hunt for URC silverware with four sets of games remaining before the knockout play-off stages of that competition.

"To be in this position now is class. If you'd said at the start of the season we'd be in the position we are now we'd have been delighted," enthused the 21-year-old.

"The hard work that we've done over the season is now really standing to us.

"We have some big games coming up, but the majority of those at home which is really good, so hopefully a packed Affidea can get us over the line in those games."

Ward is also pleased with his own form this campaign, although he knows there is still room for improvement.

He scored a try after coming on as a replacement in the Challenge Cup last-eight win over La Rochelle last weekend.

"From where I was last year to now I think I have come on a lot and have really grown in confidence.

"There are still things I need to work on, still a lot to learn, but hopefully I can kick on at the business end of the season.

"Playing in front of our fans is amazing, they really get behind us, they really back us, and we just want to keep performing, getting a few more people into the stands to cheer us on and put a few more smiles on faces."