Ulster wing Robert Baloucoune lucky to avoid red for challenge on Darren Sweetnam

Former Ireland head coach Eddie O'Sullivan has said that 21-year-old winger Robert Baloucoune was lucky to avoid a red card for his opening tackle on Munster counterpart Darren Sweetnam on Friday night.

Baloucoune took Sweetnam out in the air from the kick-off with referee Sean Gallagher issuing the former sevens flyer a yellow card after consulting with his TMO. https://twitter.com/eirSport/status/1076204717259276288 O'Sullivan remarked on eir Sport that Balocoune was lucky to stay on the field in what he felt should have been a red card.

"It's a red card lads I'm afraid. There was no pull out. He went in and made a tackle in the air and under the law that's a red card."

Baloucoune made his senior debut for Ulster against the Dragons in October after impressing mightily for the Ulster A's against Connacht A's in Galway. The Enniskillen winger said that he's been enjoying his time with the seniors and added that hard work will hopefully lead for increased opportunities moving forward for him with the seniors.

"I really appreciated the chance to get out there," Baloucoune told the Belfast Telegraph after his debut against the Dragons. "The atmosphere was great and I really enjoyed playing. It was just a great experience and I'm looking forward to another chance at it. As long as you work hard, you've got the chance to get there. It's just (been about) gradually progressing up to this stage and now that I've got the chance it's been class."