Whitten set for Ravenhill return

By Mark Stevens

Ian Whitten has warned his Exeter Chiefs team-mates to expect a “physical battle” when they tackle Ulster in their latest pre-season friendly at the Kingspan Stadium this evening (7.30pm).

The 27-year-old centre says he is relishing returning to his former stomping ground at Ravenhill, but knows there will be no ‘old pals act’ when he lines-up against a number of his old friends

For Whitten, tonight’s match marks a first playing return to Belfast after he swapped life with the Irish Province in 2012 for a new and exciting challenge with the Chiefs in the Aviva Premiership.

Since arriving in Devon that summer, the Lisburn-born back has impressed many with his eye-catching displays both in the centre and on the wing for Rob Baxter’s side.

Now, the Irish international will be looking to plot the downfall of his former employers as the Chiefs aim to build on last Friday’s notable 24-17 pre-season win over Cardiff Blues.

“When I first heard we had Ulster in a friendly, I got pretty excited,” said Whitten. “Now the time has come round I’m really looking forward to the game itself. It will be good to go home and see a few boys that I used to play with.

“It’s been two years since I left, but I’ve not been back in a playing capacity. They’ve got a brand new stadium now, so I don’t think it will be quite as weird for me going into what was the old changing rooms or anything like.

“What will be different will be hearing ‘Stand Up For The Ulstermen’ as a visiting player, but I’ve got a job to do now with Exeter and it’s important that I show what we can do as a team.”

With the Chiefs preparing for the new campaign with games against the Blues, Ulster and Worcester Warriors next week, Whitten says it’s key that the club look to build on what has been an encouraging pre-season programme to date.

He added: “The first half was good against Cardiff and it was nice to see some of the things we’ve be working on in pre-season paying off in the game itself. For a first run-out it was very positive, but I know Friday will be a much tougher test for us. We’ll have to up our levels again and tighten up on one of two things.”

Whitten is one of three former Ulstermen who will feature in the Chiefs squad tonight, the others being summer signing Ryan Caldwell and fly-half Gareth Steenson (pictured), and he hopes the occasion will be one to savour for all of them.

“As I said, it will be a great experience for all of us to go back home and play,” continued Whitten. “Obviously we’ll know a fair few people on and off the field, but the main thing is we go out and put in a good performance.

“Ravenhill is a bit of a fortress for Ulster and I know they don’t like to lose at home. It doesn’t happen that often, so it’s a massive, physical challenge that we have to rise to. If we get our attitude wrong or we don’t perform to the standards we’re capable of, then it’s going to be a long old night for us.

“Ulster have got a great squad, some top class players, but so do we and it’s important we show that against them."