I love being a leader for Ulster - Doak

Ulster scrum-half Nathan Doak said he is "really enjoying the role that I have" as one of the province's most senior figures despite being just 24.

Doak has already made 111 appearances for Ulster, registered 492 points and established himself as a key player for Richie Murphy's side.

He will now aim to help the Irish province secure their first United Rugby Championship [URC] win of the season when they welcome Munster to Affidea Stadium on Saturday (17:30 BST).

"Yeah, it was quite strange, I was meant to do Jacob Stockdale's 150th cap last week and I was like 'Jeez, I didn't think I had the CV to be doing that or the age!'," Doak told BBC Sport NI.

"I love that responsibility. I love being a leader for this group. It's class to be able to have so many experiences with all sorts at such a young age.

"I absolutely love that I'm able to try and help the younger lads, and I'm also still learning as well from the older lads. But I am really enjoying the role that I have."

Ulster are still searching for the consistency that eluded them at the end of last season when they failed to win their final four URC matches and finished outside of the top eight before losing the Challenge Cup final to Montpellier.

It has been a tough start to the new season, with an opening defeat by Edinburgh in Belfast followed by last week's thrilling 33-33 draw with Glasgow at Scotstoun.

"Up and down, you could say," Doak replied when asked how he felt this season has gone.

"Positives and negatives, it's early. We obviously had a really good start last year, which put us in a really good position and then didn't really capitalise at the end of last season.

"I think it's really important that you win your home games, especially for us. We have ambitions to be in the top eight and more so we can't be losing two games at home."

Munster lost their first match of the campaign before a tight 26-22 win over Bulls last weekend with Doak admitting the onus is on Ulster to deliver a satisfactory performance on home soil.

"I think the pressure is on us to perform as a playing group and make sure that we get back to winning ways for our fans," said Doak, who has broken into the Ireland team this year with caps against Wales and Japan.

"Any time you play out here, it's just so special, I think, obviously, for me growing up here. I've had so many good memories out there and I just want to create new ones.

"Winning at home is just always an amazing feeling when you go into the changing rooms afterwards, the feeling in the group is just so special."

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