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'Professional sport is ruthless': Ex-Ulster player unloads after being released

By Online Editors
(Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

A 25-year-old who was among the three players released by Ulster for the 2020/21 season has taken to Twitter to describe how ruthless professional sport is. Zack McCall, the younger brother of established prop Kyle, was cut loose by Dan McFarland along with Clive Ross and Angus Kernohan when the Irish province set out its stall for next season. 

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The decision left the hooker devastated and he has taken to social media to explain to fans how brutal a brilliant sport can be.  “To put things into context for anyone who doesn’t know me: I have dedicated my life to rugby in Ulster. I’ve worn every jersey with pride, worn my heart on my sleeve and tried to give 100 per cent even in the darkest of times.  

“I want to shine a light for the guys that are on the fringes and remind others it’s not always rainbows and butterflies. Professional sport is ruthless and can take its toll on your mental health just as much as your physical health.

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“Just remember these guys have aspirations and dreams too so respect the little guy and be kind, not just in rugby but in all aspects on life. And if you are the little guy, back yourself, throw everything at it and have no regrets. That’s what I’m going to do.”

Unlike his brother, McCall never got to feature at Guinness PRO14 level for Ulster and it remains to be seen if the ex-Ireland U20s player will try his luck elsewhere in the pro game now that he has been offloaded by his hometown province.

“Unfortunately my time with Ulster has come to an end. I’ve had some unforgettable experiences, good and bad. The good: getting to travel the world and play competitive teams sport for a loving and to do it with my brother is something I’m incredibly thankful for.

“The bad: dealing with repeated disappointment, from injuries, selections and the massive highs and lows that rugby can take you through. Even though they have been pretty tough at times, these experiences have contributed to making me stronger as a man with physically and mentally.”

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Bull Shark 1 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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