Trimble – ‘We want to stop talking and start achieving’

Ulster stalwart Andrew Trimble has urged his side to forget about last season and let their performances on the pitch do the talking.

The 32-year-old could break the record for most appearances in an Ulster jersey this campaign, needing just five caps to surpass the retired Roger Wilson.

Trimble is one of only three players in the current crop to have won a trophy with the Ulstermen and cannot wait to get going in the new-look PRO14.

The Kingspan Stadium outfit missed out on the top four last season as well as finishing bottom of their European Champions Cup pool but Trimble insists his side’s actions will speak louder than words.

“A lot of people, you guys included, are sick of hearing our intentions, our goals, our aspirations and what we want to achieve,” the Irish international admitted.

“To be honest, we are sick of talking about it too, so everybody is looking forward to getting into the season and getting things going on the pitch.

“That’s the only place we can fulfil a bit of the potential that we have.

“Last year we didn’t get to the standard we demand of ourselves or that the press and supporters demand from us.

“That expectation is because there is a lot of talent in this team and we didn’t show it enough last season.

“We want to stop talking about it and start achieving things.”

Trimble is confident ahead of the new PRO14 season and has been impressed with incoming head coach Jono Gibbes.

The eight-time All Black comes in following spells at Leinster and Clermont and Trimble believes Gibbes will be a hard taskmaster.

“He sets very high standards and he is very clear in his communications of what he requires,” he said.

“He has definitely cracked the whip and has made sure we know what is expected of us and the standard we have to be at.

“All the boys are buying into that. It’s a good place to be and it’s exciting.”