Former team-mate: Andi Kyriacou
Related links
Teams
Also see
Cardiff Blues hooker Andi Kyriacou admits it will be an emotional moment when he runs out to face his former Ulster team-mates at the Arms Park.
The RaboDirect PRO12 game will be Ulster's first match since the death of centre Nevin Spence, his brother and father after a fall into a slurry pit.
Kyriacou, who spent three seasons playing with Spence at Ravenhill, is set to start for the Blues against his former club and knows it will be tough.
"It was an utter shock to start with and it's taken a good few days to come to the realisation of what happened," said the Ireland A front-row forward.
"But it's been a bit different being out of Northern Ireland - I've been on my own and I've thrown myself into rugby and family life.
"I've not been affected by it on a day-to-day basis like the poor lads at Ulster.
"It's been really tough speaking to the guys and hearing how upset they are. They've gone back to work and a big hole left by Nevin has been more than apparent.
"Nevin was such a tough player, he punched way above his weight every time he took to the field. He was a model professional as a young lad of just 22-years-old.
"The greatest respect we can show to him is by playing 100 per cent and putting on a good game. Ulster will come flying out of the blocks because they will want to do the same.
"The minute's silence was hard enough last week against Benetton Treviso, but to stand next to the guys on Friday will be very emotional."
Comments
connaughtabu says...
Stand up for the Ulstermen!
Posted 13:11 27th September 2012