Hume targeting February return from ACL injury
Ulster and Ireland centre James Hume admits his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery has been "mentally challenging" but remains on course to return during the Six Nations window.
The 26-year-old damaged his knee against Cardiff in April having been plagued by injuries in recent seasons.
"It's flat-out," he told BBC Radio Ulster's Sportsound of his recovery.
"Mentally challenging but I'm loving every bit of it. It's a completely different challenge to get back."
While needing to make sure he is "100% ready to go" before getting back on the pitch, Hume is expecting to return before the spring.
"I'm hoping to be back in early February but it's not set in stone," he added.
"It'll just be whenever I'm fully 100% ready to go. It's going as good as it can be so far."
Ulster secured their second win of the United Rugby Championship season against Connacht at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday night with Hume "excited" by the performances of Richie Murphy's young side.
"This is the most different I've felt from season to season with so many senior lads going and new, young faces given more responsibility, coming up and finding their voice."
"It's great to see so many young lads getting involved in that process early on.
"Everyone should be excited to see what they've got in the future."