'Ulster is a really good place to be'- Stockdale

Ulster wing Jacob Stockdale said "there is a good spirit and atmosphere" in the squad ahead of the province's derby against Leinster on Friday (19:45 GMT).

Ulster travel to the Aviva Stadium on 19 December aiming to be the victors in the first inter-provincial derby of the season before matches against Connacht and Munster completing the festive run against their Irish rivals.

Stockdale, who has made 138 appearances for Ulster, has continued his impressive form from the last campaign and believes the mood within the squad is a major strength.

"Ulster is a really good place to be at the moment, the rugby is really fun and there is a good spirit and atmosphere amongst the squad and the coaching staff," Stockdale told BBC Sport NI's Nicola McCarthy.

"I'm really enjoying rugby here at the moment.

"These are the games you get excited about [against Irish sides] when the fixture list comes out and you equally go 'flip, they are going to be tough!'"

The defending United Rugby Championship [URC] holders have had a mixed start to the new campaign with three defeats in their opening six league matches.

However, they are now unbeaten in their last four games after following up wins against Zebre and Dragons in the URC with two victories in the Champions Cup.

Despite their challenging start, Stockdale added that the Leinster side is "full of quality" as Ulster attempt to win away against Leo Cullen's side for just the third time in 12 years.

"Leinster away at the Aviva is always a really good challenge and a fun game to be a part of" Stockdale continued.

"They didn't have a good start to the season, but it is hard to go over to South Africa and win against those guys out there.

"It is not maybe so much them playing poorly, more the teams against them playing very well and, regardless of which it is, it is a team full of experience and quality."

As for Ulster, they sit fourth in the URC with 21 points after five games.

However, they arrive in Dublin looking to bounce back from defeat after Cardiff staged a dramatic comeback to beat them in the Challenge Cup.

"We are sitting in a really good position in the league right now and for us we want to better that position.

"That positive morale comes off the back of winning. It feels easier when you are putting together good performances and coming away with wins.

"In fairness to Richie [Murphy] and the coaches, they have done a great job in fostering that good feeling and encouraging us players to control what we can do on the pitch."

It has been a busy period for the 29-year-old, who started Ireland's 41-10 victory over Japan in the second of the November internatonals.

However, the Ulster wing didn't feature in Andy Farrell's side convincing victory over Australia, nor their chaotic tussle with South Africa in Dublin.

Stockdale admitted he "would have liked and hoped to get a few more opportunities" during the Autumn internationals.

"Mixed emotions coming out of it," he said.

"Obviously anytime you get to put on an Ireland jersey it is class but personally I would have liked and hoped to get a few more opportunities to show what I can do, but that's the nature of it unfortunately and everyone feels that way, I am sure.

"It was a good campaign for me and I enjoyed it, but I was equally excited to get back in here."