Robbie Diack has spoken of his "honour" and "privilege" at pulling on the Ulster shirt ahead of his 200th appearance for the province.
The South African-born No 8 came to Ireland nine years ago and has gone on to become Ulster's third most capped player ever, behind only Andrew Trimble and Roger Wilson.
Robbie Diack could make his 200th appearance for Ulster this weekend against La Rochelle!
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) October 19, 2017
🎥 Full video 👉 https://t.co/SdqKq4Rmav pic.twitter.com/JzGBvfRBYl
Diack, twice capped for Ireland, would love to mark the milestone with a Champions Cup victory over La Rochelle on Sunday, but he's expecting a seriously tough day at the office.
"It's a huge honour and a huge privilege to be part of this team," he said.
"To make my 200th appearance is hugely exciting. I'm just hoping I can mark this occasion with a victory in France.
"To play that many games for such a proud province and club is fantastic for myself. It's something I'm very very proud of and I'll cherish forever.
"We know what to expect but Jono (Gibbes) did sit us down and tel us how important this game is specifically of La Rochelle. It's their first European home game and they're an immensely proud team as well. They can't wait of this game, it's a landmark in the history of their club.
"We've had a couple of great training days. We can't wait to get over there and give these guys a good game.
Head coach Gibbes also expects a massive challenge at Stade Marcel-Deflandre, as the the French outfit prepare for their first ever home Champions Cup encounter.
La Rochelle have only been beaten on their own patch once in over a year and Gibbes - well versed in French rugby thanks to his time with Clermont - knows what's coming.
"You're constantly being tested, you're constantly building, you pass the test and then you're put under another one," he said.
"Each week poses a different problem, a different question. In my brief time here I've been impressed by the playing group and their appetite to work hard.
"They're very good. The biggest compliment I can give these guys is that they look really comfortable in what they're doing. You watch them run the ball from their own 22 and they look as comfortable doing that as they do attacking inside the opposition's 22.
"They've built up a good understanding of what makes them difficult to play against and they've had a lot of success with that. It's a daunting task."
