Ulster Announce Raaymakers As Short-Term Signing

Ulster Rugby have signed 24-year-old lock Ronald Raaymakers from Counties Manukau Steelers, on a short-term contract.

Ronald Raaymakers provides cover for the injured Iain Henderson and Dan Tuohy and after Lewis Stevenson, Neil McComb and Franco van der Merwe, provides the coaches with a fourth second-row option.

Raaymakers has represented New Zealand at Under-20 level and made two Super Rugby appearances for the Auckland Blues in 2013.

The Kiwi forward, who is aged 24, has played 50 games for the Steelers so far and will captain the side on Saturday against Wellington.

He will join up with the Ulster squad following the completion of his ITM Cup commitments in New Zealand.

Commenting on his contract, Raaymakers said: “It has always been an ambition of mine to play overseas and when the opportunity came up to join Ulster Rugby I had no hesitation in saying yes.

“I look forward to joining up with the squad next month and to playing my part in helping Ulster Rugby be successful this season.”