Action from the United Rugby Championship match between Ulster and Sharks on Saturday 26 April 2025. © FRU SPORTS 2025.

Ulster Rugby: Ulster Announce 2025-26 Squad

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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

Jack Murphy: 20-year-old fly-half, from Academy to Senior.
Scott Wilson: From Development to Senior.
Lorcan McLoughlin: From Development to Senior.
James McNabney: From Development to Senior.
Charlie Irvine: From Academy to Development.
Joe Hopes: From Academy to Development.

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 HendersonYesYesCaptain, Contract Renewed
John AndrewYesYes
Juarno AugustusNoNoNew Signing
Rob BaloucouneYesYesContract Renewed
Angus BellNoNoNew Signing
Ben CarsonYesYes
Sam CreanNoYesNew Signing
Matthew DaltonYesYes
Nathan DoakYesYes
Jake FlanneryNoYes
Rob HerringNoYes
Joe HopesYesYesProgressed from Academy, Development Player
James HumeYesYes
James HumphreysYesYes
Charlie IrvineYesYesProgressed from Academy, Development Player
Cormac IzuchukwuYesYes
Werner KokNoNo
Mike LowryYesYes
David McCannYesYes
James McCormickYesYes
Stuart McCloskeyYesYesContract Renewed
Rory McGuireNoYesNew Signing
Conor McKeeYesYesContract Renewed
Ethan McIlroyYesYesContract Renewed
Lorcan McLoughlinYesYesProgressed from Development to Senior
James McNabneyYesYesProgressed from Development to Senior
Stewart MooreYesYes
Ben MoxhamYesYesContract Renewed
Jack MurphyNoYesProgressed from Academy to Senior
Bryan O’ConnorNoYes
Eric O’SullivanYesYes
Tom O’TooleYesYes
Jude PostlethwaiteYesYes
Marcus ReaYesYes
Sean ReffellNoYes
Callum ReidYesYes
David ShanahanYesYesContract Renewed
Harry SheridanYesYes
Tom StewartYesYes
Jacob StockdaleYesYesContract Renewed
Nick TimoneyYesYesContract Renewed
Zac WardNoYes
Scott WilsonYesYesProgressed from Development to Senior

© 2025 Ulster Rugby Squad Analysis. Data sourced from official club announcement.

Infographic generated for illustrative purposes.

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