When you do something for the last time, it tends to focus the mind.

That is even more of a truism when, like me, you are susceptible to the odd bout of nostalgia.

So when preparing to write this, my last column as rugby correspondent of the Belfast Telegraph, memories of the highs and lows of Ulster's fortunes since I took up the position in May 2001 came flooding back.

So much has changed over the last eight years. Only Justin Fitzpatrick, Matt McCullough, Bryan Young, Paddy Wallace and Bryn Cunningham remain in Matt Williams’ squad from Alan Solomons’ first season in charge almost eight years ago.

The rugby landscape off the pitch has changed utterly too and Ulster Rugby faces a tough road ahead in keeping pace with the European elite.

The province has had three coaches during the period. Solomons saw out his original three-year contract before moving on to English Premiership side Northampton Saints, with a Celtic Cup triumph (December 2003) and second place finish in the Celtic League.

Solomons’ assistant Mark McCall stepped up to the head coach position in June 2004 before the former Ulster and Ireland centre eventually fell on his sword in November 2007 after a run of bad results, having previously guided the province in sensational style to the Celtic League title in 2006.

Steve Williams, McCall’s assistant, held the fort during a bleak three months before Matt Williams was appointed in February last year.

And after a tough baptism for the Australian, Ulster now genuinely seem to have turned the corner, as evidenced by their stunning 37-11 rout of Heineken Cup champions Munster at Thomond Park last Saturday.

What is all the more encouraging is that Ulster’s remarkable revival, having lost their first four games in the Magners League, is being inspired by young home-grown talent, many of whom are already knocking on the door of Declan Kidney’s Ireland squad.

Williams, of course, deserves great credit for first steadying the ship and then charting a bold new course for his young squad. So too the Ulster Branch’s Professional Team Management Committee, for taking a chance with Williams who had been out of the frontline professional coaching circuit since losing his job as Scotland coach in 2005.

Williams is repaying their faith. As he rebuilds this Ulster side, he does also his reputation.

The clash against Harlequins may be a dead rubber for the home side, but it has taken on a new exciting complexion. The hottest side in England playing the hottest side in Ireland?

Expect another full house, which should give Ulster Rugby an unexpected boost in gate receipts in the week that the first sod should be cut in the new stand to be constructed above the terrace, which should provide a much-needed stream of corporate income when it is up and running next season.

The big question now is whether in-form players like Darren Cave, Ian Humphreys, Tom Court, Ed O’Donoghue (who is Irish-qualified), Ryan Caldwell (once he is fit again), Paddy Wallace and David Pollock have done enough to be included in Kidney’s plans for the Six Nations. Stephen Ferris is already a shoo-in and on current form is playing himself into contention for a place in the Lions tour to South Africa this summer.

Ulster remain a work in progress, but as I head for a new challenge in England, I leave with the sense that exciting times are on their way back at Ravenhill.

Thanks to everyone, from our sports team at Royal Avenue, fellow rugby hacks and commentators and to the coaches and players and administrators who have put up with my questions over the years. It is a journey that will stay with me forever.