Curtis And O’Toole Earn Upgraded Contracts With Ulster
Abbey Insurance Ulster Academy players Angus Curtis and Tom O’Toole have been rewarded with upgraded development contracts for the 2018/19 season, after which they will move on to senior contracts that will keep the pair at Kingspan Stadium until 2021 and 2022 respectively.
Last season was a breakthrough one for out-half/centre Angus Curtis and prop Tom O’Toole as they made their senior debuts for Ulster and also starred for Ireland Under-20s. Curtis made his bow in the GUINNESS PRO14 tie against Glasgow back in April and added a further appearance away to Munster later that month.
The 20-year-old Zimbabwean-born back, whose younger brother, scrum half Graham, is now full-time with the Ulster Academy, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the set-up at Ulster and it’s a big bonus for me to graduate from the Academy at this stage of the season.
“I’ve learnt a lot within the Academy programme and I’m looking forward to continuing to work hard with the Ulster senior squad. This group has massive potential and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”
Teenage tighthead O’Toole, who featured five times for Ulster in the PRO14 last season, commented: “I’m really excited about the prospect of furthering my rugby career at Ulster, where I have enjoyed such a great experience to date.
“The support from the Academy over the past few years has been incredible in developing all aspects of my game and preparing me to step up to the next level. I’m very grateful for this opportunity and am ready to give everything I can to the Ulster cause.”
Ulster’s operations director Bryn Cunningham is expecting both players to continue their rapid development, stating: “Angus and Tom have done tremendously well since entering the Academy and have been rewarded for their hard work and talent. They got a taste of senior rugby last season and equipped themselves very well within that environment.
“Angus is a talented youngster who has a very well-rounded game and he will only get better and better. Tom is a destructive player and for a prop of his age to be playing at PRO14 level is very impressive.
“We are confident that they will have long and successful careers in the professional game and we’re excited to see how they will progress within the senior ranks.”