Ulster centre Jude Postlethwaite says playing regularly for the Irish province this season feels “surreal”.

The former Royal Belfast Academical Institution player has already racked up 11 appearances this campaign, scoring a try in a United Rugby Championship home win over Connacht and touching down twice in an away defeat by Cardiff Blues during October.

The 22-year-old was the leading try-scorer in the Ulster Schools’ Cup in 2020, earning him a nomination for the competition’s Player of the Year.

On leaving school, he initially missed out on a contract with the Ulster Academy, while some of his contemporaries and friends, including present day team-mates Ben Carson and Nathan Doak, were awarded places.

Postlethwaite says being overlooked for the Academy in the first instance “drove me a lot”.

“Seeing Carsy and Doaky and all my good mates getting into the Academy drove me to where I want to be,” he told BBC Sport NI.

The ex-RBAI pupil is a former Grand Slam winner with Ireland Under-20s, having also participated in sevens rugby.

With James Hume having been ruled out as he recovers from knee surgery and Stuart McCloskey also having his injury problems, Postlethwaite has occupied the roles of both outside centre and inside centre this term.

“It’s all surreal to be honest. I didn’t think this year I’d be playing as much as I have been and I’m really enjoying it.

“I feel like I’m getting better each game and learning a lot. Stuart McCloskey and James Hume are there to answer any questions I have. Any time I need to review games they’re always very helpful.”

Having qualified for a last-16 tie against Bordeaux in the Champions Cup after beating Exeter last weekend, Ulster’s attention now turns back to the URC, beginning with a game against Zebre at Kingspan Stadium on Sunday.

“It’s all about building momentum these next five games or so,” added Postlethwaite.