Mason eyes place on the bench

It wasn't easy for Simon Mason initially. His fellow players were a little sceptical, indifferent and a thaw would take about six months. Then there was the legacy of Ulster's wonderful European Cup triumph, and his part in his new employer's downfall, a famous semi-final triumph for the White Knights at Ravenhill.

Mason sits in his apartment, two kilometres from Stade Jean Bouin, home to Stade Francais and reflects upon a decision last summer to leave the security of friends in Ballymena and Ulster, tantalised by an offer from Parisian aristocrats Stade Francais. He didn't speak French, didn't know any of his new team-mates but his career needed fresh impetus.

At 27 the Liverpool-born, former Ireland full back was aware that his international career wasn't going to be revived by staying in Ireland and decided to take the plunge. Almost 12 months on and he feels that his decision has been vindicated in part. Next Saturday when Stade Francais face Munster in this year's European Cup semi-final, the summit of Mason's ambition will be a place on the bench.

Even that one suspects may be beyond him. "I'd be happy to make the bench but that depends on whether John Connolly (coach) goes for five forwards and two backs or four and three." Mason played in the early stages of the competition including the away match against Swansea. It was to be his last cup game. Christophe Dominici's mental and physical rehabilitation - he was suffering from depression - and the French international's insistence on playing full back nudged Mason to the periphery of the first-team squad.

"I knew the first season was going to be difficult in terms of the language barrier and being a new face at the club. You just have to look at the players around here, like Christophe and Diego Dominguez.

"John Connolly was very positive in terms of feedback. He (Connolly) said to me that pace was not my biggest asset and while they had someone like Dominguez to kick, they preferred Christophe Dominici at full back, who would provide them with greater pace and penetration in the back three."

Mason has played 12 first team games for the club but it was a spell with the second team that allowed him to integrate better and helped him to settle into his new home. He shares an apartment with Canadian international Morgan Williams in the 15th arrondissement.

"Since Christmas, I have settled in more, felt part of the set-up and stopped looking over my shoulder back to Ulster. I have made some friends including Cliff Mytton, Darren George and Williams. Also when I was playing with the second team I made more of an effort to speak French and that got me accepted a great deal quicker."

Mason is looking forward to Saturday and is adamant that Stade Francais are ready. "In the last two years they have lost to Irish provinces, one of whom was Munster. This is a big, big test for Stade Francais something which they haven't had too often this season."

Were he to make the bench, how would he feel about a cameo role, the opportunity to stand over a last-minute penalty that would decide the course of the match. "Jesus, I'd better kick it or I wouldn't be here next year." And that is where Mason expects to be. Connolly has asked him to stay on and as of now the player is content to do so.