Ulster Add Eleven Players To Academy Squad For 2023/24

Commenting on the selected squad, Ulster Rugby Academy Manager Gavin Hogg said: “We are delighted to welcome the new intake of talent into the Academy. The 11 players joining have already shown their promise, and we look forward to developing each of these players further, alongside the seven players who will progress to Year 2 and 3 of our Academy programme.

“The Ulster Rugby Player Pathway has shown that we can produce top quality talent and nurture them to ensure they are ready for the senior Men’s side.

“Our Academy players can look to the example of Tom Stewart and Harry Sheridan, who both made the step up from playing in the Academy to playing senior Men’s rugby this season, showcasing the opportunities are there for young players.

“I would like to thank all the coaches across our domestic club and school game in the province that have played major roles in helping to develop these young men to the Academy level.

“Each player can be excited to start their Academy journey with the support of Academy staff, Ulster head coach Dan McFarland and senior support staff, as they continue to progress their encouraging careers in rugby.”

2023/24 ULSTER RUGBY ACADEMY – YEAR 1 RECRUITS:

Cameron Doak (Prop)

Cameron is a former pupil of Wallace High School and is the son of ex-Ulster scrum half Neil, and the younger brother of current senior scrum half Nathan. He is a skilful sportsman who was ever-present in the front row with Belfast Harlequins this past season. He represented Ulster ‘A’ in their fixture against Munster ‘A’ in April.

Jack Boal (Prop)

Jack is a former Campbell College pupil who currently plays his club rugby with Queen’s University. He has represented the Ireland Under-19s, and is known for his abrasive style of play in both attack and defence. Jack represented Ulster ‘A’ in their fixture against Ealing Trailfinders back in December.

Jacob Boyd (Prop)

Jacob is the current Danske Bank Ulster Schools Senior Cup-winning captain with RBAI where he scored the decisive try in the final against Campbell College. He has represented the Ireland U-19s in their recent matches against France. He is the son of former Ulster prop Clem Boyd, and is renowned for his athletic ability.

Zac Solomon (Hooker)

Zac is a former pupil of Campbell College and played his club rugby this past season with Belfast Harlequins. He is currently studying at Ulster University. He recently represented the Ireland U-19s in games against Japan and France, having previously played with the Ireland Under-18 Schools team. He is an accurate thrower and skilful hooker who represented Ulster ‘A’ in their January fixture away to Ealing.

Charlie Irvine (Second row)

Charlie is a former Wallace High School pupil who has most recently been part of the successful Queen’s University squad that won promotion to Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B. He has come through the National Talent Squad Player Pathway programme at Ulster, representing both his province and gaining national caps at each age grade. He won the Under-20 Six Nations Grand Slam with Ireland this year and is currently away with the squad at the World Rugby U-20 Championship in South Africa. He studies Medicine at Queen’s University and will continue to balance his academic studies with his rugby commitments.

Josh Stevens (Back rower)

Josh was captain of Methodist College Belfast and part of the successful Ulster Schools Senior Cup-winning team in the 2021/22 season, before picking up an ankle injury which ruled him out of the knockout stages of this season’s competition. He returned from injury to be capped by the Ireland U-19s in recent fixtures against Japan and France. He is an all-action back rower with a strong work-rate.

Tom Brigg (Back rower)

Tom joins Ulster from Blackrock College where he captained their Senior Cup team in their journey to the final of Leinster Schools competition. He has chosen to continue his study at Queen’s University and was capped recently as part of the Ireland Under-19 squad that played both Japan and France. He has a competitive mentality which sees him heavily involved in both attack and defence. He is keen to follow in the footsteps of former Blackrock pupil Nick Timoney, who has undertaken a similar journey to Ulster.

Ethan Graham (Winger/Full-back)

Ethan has progressed through the Ulster clubs pathway and spent his younger playing days at Monaghan RFC before moving to Belfast Met to continue his studies. He was capped at Ireland U-18 Clubs and School level and recently played for the Ireland U-19s against Japan. He currently plays his club rugby in Energia All-Ireland League Division 1A with Ballynahinch and was a regular starter for them this past season. He has gained further experience with Ulster ‘A’ and scored in the most recent fixture against Munster ‘A’. He has electric pace and great footballing ability.

Lukas Kenny (Winger/Full-back)

Lukas has been one of the standout performers in Ulster schools rugby over the past couple of seasons. He has been a consistent member of the Campbell College senior team. He has come through the age grade pathway programme at Ulster where he has gained provincial and national caps at all age grades. Most recently he was capped by Ireland U-19s in their recent fixtures against Japan and France. Lukas aims to continue to follow his interests in sport by continuing to study in this field next year. He is a strong and dynamic ball carrier who has the ability to create match-winning moments.

Ben McFarlane (Winger/Full-back)

Ben joins the Ulster Academy from Methodist College Belfast. He kicked the winning penalty in their Ulster Schools Senior Cup success in the 2021/22 season. He has progressed through the Ulster Pathway, gaining provincial and national caps in both Sevens and 15s along the way. Most recently he was capped by the Ireland U-19s in their fixtures against Japan and France. Ben will commence his studies at Queen’s University in September. He is renowned for his evasive footwork and strong kicking game, both out of hand and at goal.

2023/24 ULSTER RUGBY ACADEMY SQUAD: