As an experiment, we ran Ulster Rugby’s 2025 – 26 Squad Announcement through Google AI and asked for a breakdown.
Here’s what we got. We do not verify that the information is correct, please check with other sources!
Squad Overview: Ready for 2025/26
Ulster Rugby has confirmed its 43-player senior men’s squad for the upcoming 2025/2026 season. This strategic assembly of talent aims to enhance competitiveness and drive success in both the URC and Challenge Cup, building on recent experiences and integrating new strengths.
Total Senior Squad Players
43
A robust squad size providing depth across all positions for a demanding season.
Squad Composition: A Blend of Experience & Future
The 2025/2026 squad is structured to balance immediate impact with long-term sustainability, showcasing a strong commitment to developing talent from within the province’s renowned Player Pathway.
Contract Status Breakdown
The squad is primarily composed of fully contracted senior players, with a small number of Development players poised for future impact.
Pathway Products vs. External Talent
A significant majority of the squad has come through Ulster’s own player development system, highlighting the success of their pathway.
Strategic Player Movements: New Signings & Renewals
The off-season has seen crucial contract renewals and impactful new signings, shaping the squad’s capabilities for the challenges ahead.
New Signings
Ulster has added world-class talent and crucial depth in key positions to strengthen the squad.
- Angus Bell: Australian international prop, joining later this year.
- Juarno Augustus: Powerful back-row from Northampton Saints.
- Rory McGuire: Adds crucial front row depth.
- Sam Crean: Further strengthens the front row.
Key Contract Renewals
Securing the future of established leaders and key performers is vital for squad stability and experience.
- Iain Henderson: Captain, continued leadership.
- Stuart McCloskey: Experienced centre.
- Jacob Stockdale: High-profile winger.
- Nick Timoney: Dynamic back-row.
- Conor McKee: Key backline talent.
- David Shanahan: Key half-back talent.
- Robert Baloucoune: Key backline talent.
- Ethan McIlroy: Key backline talent.
- Ben Moxham: Key backline talent.
Pathway Success: The Rising Stars
Ulster’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent is evident with several promising players progressing through the ranks into senior contracts, showcasing the strength of their player pathway.
Players Progressing to Senior/Development Contracts
Coaching Staff: Guiding the Team
The leadership off the field is crucial for shaping the team’s performance and strategy. The coaching staff brings a mix of continuity and fresh perspectives for the new season.
- Richie Murphy: Head Coach
- Jimmy Duffy: Forwards Coach
- Mark Sexton: Backs Coach (New addition, bringing new energy)
- Willie Faloon: Defence and Contact Skills Coach
- Dan Soper: Development and Transition Coach
Full 2025/26 Senior Men’s Squad List
Below is the complete list of 43 senior men’s players confirmed for the 2025/2026 season, including their pathway status and Irish-Qualified status where applicable.
| Player Name | Pathway Product | Irish-Qualified | Status/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iain Henderson | Yes | Yes | Captain, Contract Renewed |
| John Andrew | Yes | Yes | |
| Juarno Augustus | No | No | New Signing |
| Rob Baloucoune | Yes | Yes | Contract Renewed |
| Angus Bell | No | No | New Signing |
| Ben Carson | Yes | Yes | |
| Sam Crean | No | Yes | New Signing |
| Matthew Dalton | Yes | Yes | |
| Nathan Doak | Yes | Yes | |
| Jake Flannery | No | Yes | |
| Rob Herring | No | Yes | |
| Joe Hopes | Yes | Yes | Progressed from Academy, Development Player |
| James Hume | Yes | Yes | |
| James Humphreys | Yes | Yes | |
| Charlie Irvine | Yes | Yes | Progressed from Academy, Development Player |
| Cormac Izuchukwu | Yes | Yes | |
| Werner Kok | No | No | |
| Mike Lowry | Yes | Yes | |
| David McCann | Yes | Yes | |
| James McCormick | Yes | Yes | |
| Stuart McCloskey | Yes | Yes | Contract Renewed |
| Rory McGuire | No | Yes | New Signing |
| Conor McKee | Yes | Yes | Contract Renewed |
| Ethan McIlroy | Yes | Yes | Contract Renewed |
| Lorcan McLoughlin | Yes | Yes | Progressed from Development to Senior |
| James McNabney | Yes | Yes | Progressed from Development to Senior |
| Stewart Moore | Yes | Yes | |
| Ben Moxham | Yes | Yes | Contract Renewed |
| Jack Murphy | No | Yes | Progressed from Academy to Senior |
| Bryan O’Connor | No | Yes | |
| Eric O’Sullivan | Yes | Yes | |
| Tom O’Toole | Yes | Yes | |
| Jude Postlethwaite | Yes | Yes | |
| Marcus Rea | Yes | Yes | |
| Sean Reffell | No | Yes | |
| Callum Reid | Yes | Yes | |
| David Shanahan | Yes | Yes | Contract Renewed |
| Harry Sheridan | Yes | Yes | |
| Tom Stewart | Yes | Yes | |
| Jacob Stockdale | Yes | Yes | Contract Renewed |
| Nick Timoney | Yes | Yes | Contract Renewed |
| Zac Ward | No | Yes | |
| Scott Wilson | Yes | Yes | Progressed from Development to Senior |
