It's a little unfair of Michael Lowry to continue to play superbly at fullback for those who wish to make a case for his long-term future as an outhalf. It distracts from the pitch that given an extended run he could in time be a viable option in the 10 jersey at Ulster and beyond on a permanent basis.
What brooks no argument is that Lowry is a very talented footballer, who may be diminutive in stature by modern standards but possesses the footwork, pace, vision and a range of skills in general to make a bigger impact in matches than many of his brawny brethren.
He is brave in the tackle – owns a 92 per cent success rate this season – albeit at times unorthodox as when saving a try by bringing down Clermont Auvergne wing Alvereti Raka in a recent Heineken Champions Cup match. Technique-wise it wouldn’t be shown in schools and clubs.
It is his ability in possession that catches the eye; he invariably beats the first defender, is a beautifully balanced runner with sharp acceleration and boasts a primary instinct to offload (eight, this season) while also possessing a nuanced kicking game. Fullback provides more freedom and space to express that attacking edge.
For the time being just getting on the pitch is a helping hand in being a second playmaker and I'm happy to do so at the minute
Last summer he was summoned to Dublin to take part in an Ireland training camp ahead of Test matches against Japan and the USA, where he ran at both outhalf and fullback. He didn’t win a cap but left with a ‘to-do’ list in terms of refining his game.
Injuries to Jacob Stockdale and Will Addison in particular have informed selection to a degree for Ulster head coach Dan McFarland. He handed Lowry the fullback role and the player hasn't disappointed.
When Lowry’s versatility is teased out in conversation he is invariably asked whether he prefers to play outhalf or fullback; let the record show that he has a preference for the 10 jersey.
He said it last season and again in his most recent media interview. He also added that first and foremost, though, he simply wants to be on the pitch and to accommodate that goal is happy to play anywhere.
“It is a really difficult question and it is a tough decision,” he admitted. “I want to start every game and play as many matches as I can. I love playing 15 as much as I love playing 10. Looking long-term hopefully I can put my skills into more of a 10 positioning-wise but for the time being just getting on the pitch is a helping hand in being a second playmaker and I’m happy to do so at the minute.”
In what might be construed as leading the witness, Lowry was asked that all things being equal if outhalf would be his preferred role? He responded: “I think it has always been an intention from playing [there] at school but I just want to be on the pitch.
Connacht have a lot of players on form and the back three have been very useful, but we are used to coming up against teams that have a very dangerous back three
“Having those conversations with coaches I think that is probably the long-term option. Our back three is stacked but unfortunately there have been a lot of injuries at the minute so I’m nearly playing because of injuries but I’ll take that opportunity.”
He has chatted about it with McFarland. “We will have little conversations throughout the year, talking about our works-on and what position [players] will eventually look to nail down. It is open for discussion all the time and things can change very quickly.”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s interprovincial against Connacht, Lowry acknowledged opponents who also like to play a wider, expansive game and have some good young players who excel within that game plan. “Connacht have a lot of players on form and the back three have been very useful, but we are used to coming up against teams that have a very dangerous back three.
“I guess we have to be aware of them but we have to focus on what we can bring to the game as well. We have a lot of players that are in form so if we can nail down what we do and do it well hopefully that nullifies them.”
