New Ireland cap Nathan Doak’s father Neil says his son’s international debut in the Six Nations win over Wales was a memorable occasion for all the family.
The Ulster scrum-half came on as a temporary replacement for Jamison Gibson-Park after he suffered a knee injury in the first half and although the Leinster number nine returned, Doak was introduced off the bench again in the second half.
Having made over a century of appearances for his province, 24-year-old Doak has had to bide his time to make his Ireland bow.
His father played for and coached Ulster, has been part of various Ireland coaching groups and was an unused replacement for Ireland against Fiji in 1995. He also played cricket for Ireland.
“It was great for him to get on, absolutely delighted, and obviously the win as well, and the occasion, it was superb for all the family,” Doak’s father told BBC Sport NI.
“It was great he got on for a few minutes [in the first half] and I think he was getting into a bit of stride.
“It allowed him to get into the game and a bit of a flow to things and coming back on later on when the game was still on an edge, I think it helped him massively.”
Neil explained that his son had been very much made to feel part of the Ireland set-up.
“Leading up to the game we were down for a jersey presentation on Wednesday and I think Andy and the coaches and the players made it really special for Nathan, and for us.
“He would say himself that this is probably the camp that he has felt the most comfortable in and that’s a credit to Andy and the squad and the whole environment. You can see it’s such a tight-knit squad.
“It’s like any young player, getting your foot in the door is the hardest thing, and trying to be comfortable in that environment.
“It’s been something he’s been looking forward to for such a long time so now he just has to stay patient, keep working at his game and try to be the best version of him every time he takes to the field.”
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