Nathan Doak facts: 15 things you didn’t know about Ireland debutant
Rugby NewsFriday, 06 March 2026 at 15:59
Nathan Doak has been on the brink of making his Irish Rugby debut for the last four years. The Ulster scrum-half is finally set to make his Ireland debut today.
Watch the Guinness Six Nations at your local Greene King sports pub.
However, there is much more than meets the eye about the experienced Ulster star who has been applying his craft in the URC for the last five years. Here is everything you need to know about Nathan Doak.
Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.
Nathan Doak facts:
1. He's Ulster-born and bred
Growing up as an Ulster fan, Doak made his senior debut against Munster Rugby, 11 years from the day he ran out against the provincial rival as a mascot.
2. Rewarded for the opportunity
Being named as a starter for Ulster for the first time at the age of 19, five years later, he has already made 100 appearances for the province at the age of 24.
3. Made his 100th appearance this year
Before the Six Nations break, Doak made a century of appearances for Ulster when he started against Scarlets in the URC. However, it ultimately ended in defeat courtesy of a last-minute winner.
4. Rugby runs in the family
Doak's father, Neil Doak, made over 76 appearances for Ulster, also as a scrum-half. However, unlike his son, he never made an appearance for Ireland despite being named in the squad for the 2002 Six Nations.
5. He was an elite prospect in school
Before joining Ulster, Nathan Doak played for Wallace High School. He won the Ulster Boys' Schools Player of the Year award in 2020.
6. Dating social media star
He is dating social media influence Emma Smythe.
7. Named among elite Emerging Ireland talent
Appearing on the 2022 Emerging Ireland tour of South Africa, Nathan Doak featured in a squad with multiple Irish talents, including Ulster teammates Robert Balocoune, Cormac Izuchukwu, and Tom Stewart.
Seven players from the 2022 Emerging Ireland tour feature in today's squad, with Doak, Balocoune, Stewart, Jack Crowley, Ciaran Frawley, Joe McCarthy, and Jamie Osborne also featuring.
8. Ireland's most recent debutant
Doak is set to become Ireland’s fourth debutant of the current season, after Paddy McCarthy, Tom Farrell, and Edwin Edogbo most recently made their debut for the international team.
9. Dream come true for Lisburn star
Born in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, Doak admitted that making his Ireland debut was a dream come true for the Ulster star during the week.
“To make my Ireland debut this weekend is incredibly special from a personal point of view. It is something that you obviously dream of as a kid."
“To be a couple of days away from it, it’s something that I’m really looking forward to doing. I found out in the team meeting (earlier in the week), to confirm it, and it was obviously incredibly special.
10. Backed by head coach Andy Farrell
Despite being on the fringes of the Ireland squad for the last 3 years, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has backed the Ulster centaurian ahead of his debut tonight.
"We have two special milestones in the squad this week at opposite ends of the scrum-half spectrum. I would firstly like to congratulate Nathan on his first international selection. Nathan has been around a few Ireland camps in recent years and has impressed with the consistency and quality of his play."
11. He will be around Irish Rugby for years to come
At the turn of the new year, Doak signed a two-year extension with Ulster Rugby that will keep him in the Irish Rugby system until the year 2028.
12. Leading the URC in multiple categories
With Ulster currently sitting sixth in the URC table, Doak sits third in the URC for points scored. He also previously led in the URC for successful conversions and second for kicking metres made.
13. He's a hit with multiple coaches
As well as being backed by Andy Farrell, former Irish Rugby star and Ulster Rugby General Manager, Rory Best admitted that Doak was a key part of Ulster's future.
“Securing Nathan’s future is a key part of our squad planning for the upcoming seasons." Best stated after Doak signed his new deal with the province.
14. He's a part of the resurgence of Ulster Rugby
After having 0 players in the 23 this time last year, the province has five starters tonight. This is the highest representation from the northern province in Ireland 15since July 2021, when Ireland played the USA.
15. You can watch his debut tonight
Nathan Doak's Irish Rugby debut will take place tonight at 8:10 PM at the sold-out Aviva Stadium. The game will also be broadcast live on Virgin Media.
LATEST SIX NATIONS NEWS
- Ireland team to face Wales – Nathan Doak to debut as Andy Farrell shakes-up the team
- ‘Can Italy end their record?’ – Every team that has NEVER beaten England at senior men’s level
- “I would love to start” – Ireland’s Nick Timoney inspired by Stu McCloskey to get first Test start
- Thomas Tuchel spotted attending England rugby training, Steve Borthwick explains why
- “It’s going to be a big ask”- Eddie James ready for Six Nations showdown against Ireland
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
Loading