Tyrese Abolarin, Blake McClean, Connor McVicker, Charlie O'Connor, Tom Bell, and Jed Findlay all have signed contracts with Ulster Rugby as first year entrants.
Second row Mahon Ronan joins as a year two Academy player from the Leinster Academy.
Two of Ulster's Academy players, Henry Walker and Aitzol Arenzana-King, have progressed onto development deals, and will be part of the senior squad next season.
As announced earlier in the season, Bryn Ward progresses from the Academy to a senior contract, following his breakthrough performances for Richie Murphy's men.
In addition, young forwards Tom Brigg and Jacob Boyd will both move onto a year 4 Academy contract.
Commenting on today's news, Ulster Rugby Academy Manager Gavin Hogg said: "We are delighted to be welcoming seven new players into our Academy system.
"All individuals have showed exciting potential across the clubs and schools' game, and their involvement in the national age-grade teams and provincial age-grade sides.
"We are confident that they will progress and develop with the ambition of making an impact in the senior squad for the future."
Hogg said that the recent 2025/26 campaign showcased the importance and value of Ulster's Academy pathway, with a number of young players playing a key role for the senior team in both the URC and the EPCR Challenge Cup.
He added: "We are coming off the back of an extremely successful season for our Academy, having seen the success of Charlie Irvine and Joe Hopes as development players, and seeing how quickly Bryn Ward made an impact in the senior team as an Academy player.
"Seeing the likes of Tom McAllister, James McKillop, and Tom Brigg make their senior debuts has given everyone a boost.
"The senior coaching staff have shown that opportunities are there for young players, and they have to work hard through the season to earn that chance.
"The strong culture between the senior team and Academy continues to grow and evolve each season."
ULSTER RUGBY ACADEMY SQUAD - 2026/27 SEASON:
Year 1 - Tyrese Abolarin (Prop), Blake McLean (Prop), Connor McVicker (Scrum Half), Charlie O'Connor (Out-Half), Tom Bell (Back), Jed Findlay (Back)
Year 2 - Josh Gibson (Back), Rynard Gordon (Back), Daniel Green (Back), Flynn Longstaff (Prop), Connor Magee (Hooker), Mahon Ronan (Lock), Tom McAllister (Prop), Paddy Woods (Lock)
Year 3 - Clark Logan (Scrum Half), James McKillop (Forward), Jonny Scott (Centre/Winger)
Year 4 - Jacob Boyd (Prop), Tom Brigg (Back Rower)
YEAR ONE - NEW ADDITIONS:
Tyrese Abolarin (Prop)
Tyrese is a strong front row forward who progresses from Ulster's NTS programme. An ex-pupil of Methodist College Belfast, he is now playing his club rugby at Queen's University. He was selected for the Ireland Under-20 Six Nations squad this year.
Blake McClean (Prop)
Blake is a past pupil of RBAI and has been part of this season's Ireland Under-20 squad where he has been selected as a tighthead prop. He has progressed through the Ulster pathway and has represented Ireland at all age-grade levels.
Blake was recently selected for the 2026 World Rugby Junior World Championship in Georgia, and he will play for Queen's University next season.
Connor McVicker (Scrum Half)
Connor is a past pupil of Belfast Royal Academy, where he captained the first team to the Danske Bank Ulster Schools Senior Shield in March. He is a skilful scrum-half with good tactical awareness.
Connor most recently represented the Ireland Under-19s against France and will be looking to gain selection with the U-20 national side next season, alongside his club commitments at Queen's.
Charlie O'Connor (Out-Half)
Charlie is a past pupil of RBAI, where he was part of the side that reached the Danske Bank Ulster Schools Senior Cup final in March.
An exciting out-half, he has an all-round skillset, a playmaking ability, and shows good vision around the field. He was recently named the 2025/26 Danske Bank Ulster Boys' Schools Player of the Year.
Charlie lined out for the Ireland Under-18 Schools team in their Six Nations Festival matches against England, Spain, and France. He will play his club rugby with Queen's next season.
Tom Bell (Centre)
Tom is an athletic centre who is a past pupil of Regent House School. He is a strong defender, with an ability to link and connect play, whilst being a ball-carrying threat.
He recently played with the Ireland U-19s in games against France, and will be looking to feature for the U-20 national side next season alongside his club duties at Queen's.
Jed Findlay (Back)
Jed is an Irish-qualified back-three player who joins the Ulster Academy from Exeter University. Born in Exeter, his mother originated from Hillsborough and he has family links in Ulster.
The 20-year-old has previously represented Scotland at Under-20 level and is renowned for attacking qualities, with a good running and kicking game. He will complete his studies whilst playing at Queen's.
YEAR TWO ADDITION:
Mahon Ronan (Lock)
A second row forward, Mahon moves to Ulster after a year in the Academy at Leinster. He has a physical profile that enables him to dominate the gain-line in his ball-carrying and collisions.
He was recently part of the successful Old Wesley team that gained promotion from Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B, and has been a regular for Ireland Under-20s in 2024/25.
