The son of a rugby legend, Zac Ward has carved his own path in the sport, impressing at the Olympics and attracting attention from the 15s game.
The year was 1998. Andy Ward, a flanker for Ulster, was playing in a thrilling Heineken Cup quarter-final against Toulouse at Ravenhill when he received a message from the touchline. His wife, Wendy, had gone into labour. Ward was substituted and, with the help of a police escort, he made it to the hospital just in time to witness the birth of his son, Zac.
It seems Ward's son has inherited his father's athletic genes and passion for the game. Zac enjoyed a standout performance at the recent Olympic Games in Paris, captivating audiences with his powerful runs and relentless work ethic. While Ireland's men's sevens team fell short of their ultimate goal, reaching the quarter-finals before succumbing to Fiji, Zac emerged as a star, drawing rave reviews for his dynamic performances.
Having already been named the Men's 7s Players' Player of the Year just two months prior, Zac's Olympic exploits have only further cemented his reputation as a rising force in rugby. He made an immediate impact on the casual viewer, showcasing his size, speed, and power to devastating effect in early wins against South Africa and Japan. He was arguably Ireland's most impactful player in their narrow defeats to New Zealand and Fiji.
Zac thrived in the physically demanding style of play that Ireland employed, relentlessly carrying the ball and driving through opposing defences. "Listen, that's my role in the team, just to truck it up and let the speedsters score in the corner, which we did in the end," he explained last week. "As long as I can keep doing that, keep doing that role, we should be alright."
Though his primary role was to lay the groundwork for others, Zac demonstrated an impressive turn of pace himself, notably with a brilliant 50-metre dash against New Zealand. His displays have ignited curiosity about his future prospects, particularly in the 15-a-side game.
Unlike his younger brother, Bryn, who has impressed for the Ireland Under-20s, Zac's journey through the age grades was relatively unremarkable. He didn't receive major representative honours and didn't generate much attention from his home province.
However, after impressing for Ballinahinch in the All-Ireland League, he caught the eye of the Ireland Sevens programme. He has been a key player since 2021 and head coach James Topping will undoubtedly be keen to retain him as the squad rebuilds for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Zac is still only 25, and time is on his side.
The question now is whether his talent will translate to the 15-a-side game. Ulster coach Richie Murphy must have been impressed by Zac's Olympic performances and may be tempted to offer him a contract.
While Ulster boasts a strong back-row contingent, with players like David McCann, Nick Timoney, and Cormac Izuchukwu, the province has a history of embracing sevens players. Timoney and Izuchukwu both spent time in the sevens programme and share similarities with Zac - rangy, powerful, and explosive ball carriers.
Zac's impressive displays have led to comparisons with players like Rob Baloucoune, Hugo Keenan, and Will Connors, who have all successfully transitioned from sevens to professional rugby. It's hard to fathom how such a talented athlete went unnoticed for so long. Zac possesses the necessary attributes to excel in the modern game.
While the 15s game demands different skills and strategies, Zac's raw athleticism and tireless work ethic suggest he has the potential to make a significant impact. He comes from a family steeped in rugby heritage. His father, Andy Ward, arrived in Ireland from New Zealand and played a pivotal role in Ulster's rise to Heineken Cup glory in 1999. After obtaining Irish citizenship, he earned 29 caps for his adopted country.
Zac has the potential to follow in his father's footsteps.
While Ireland's performance in the sevens tournament fell short of expectations, it has provided a platform for a player like Zac to progress to the next level. The sevens programme is renowned for unearthing hidden talent, and Zac appears poised to shine on the bigger stage.