Well currently its a squad of 40, this season had a squad of 43 which was a downsize from the year before ( I’m pretty sure). Bells contract was announced on May 21st (Wednesday) last year, so maybe they are they plan to do another short term deal again? But with the world cup next year its going to be hard to find a test level Aussie or New Zealander to sign up. But maybe its all up in the air depending what happens on Friday and champions cup qualification.
Richie mentioned Ward, King and Walker as joining the squad next year. Didn’t mentioned Brigg or Boyd (maybe development contracts). He also said 9 were coming in (Snyman, Donnell Devine and Benson we know about). Either he was counting Brigg/Boyd in the 9 or there’s two we haven’t heard yet.
https://ulster.rugby/content/lorcan-mcloughlin-to-leave-ulster-rugby
Odd timing on this announcement. All the others who are leaving were known a while ago. Another sign that being well regarded at U-20 level doesn’t guarantee a long pro career.
And still nothing official about the various rumoured additions (Gallo, Mullins, Knox)
yeah bit surprising at this stage to announce this, maybe he’s changed his mind about playing rugby? would be interesting to see if he turns up somewhere else.
It would start to be a bit worrying if he is another (after Reuben Crothers and Willem De Klerk) who decide pro rugby is not for them. But anyway back row is not an area we’re really lacking in, so good luck to him, whatever the reason.
Just thinking back to this: Mullins, Knox and Bello would be additions who weren’t known publicly when Richie said this. So we seem to be at 10 coming in now (not counting Brigg/Boyd whose status we still don’t know).Richie mentioned Ward, King and Walker as joining the squad next year. Didn’t mentioned Brigg or Boyd (maybe development contracts). He also said 9 were coming in (Snyman, Donnell Devine and Benson we know about). Either he was counting Brigg/Boyd in the 9 or there’s two we haven’t heard yet.
This page is handy
Rugby transfers for Ulster for 2026/2027 – All.Rugby
Which I had found this before I created this thread
I knew its a young squad, but when you see the list of names and their ages its still surprising. Only 3 players are over 30 years old, crazy. Clearly the focus is long term which makes the decision to drop Kok make more sense
he still had another year on his contract, makes sense to negotiate now while his stock is high. You would like to think that IRFU did a top up on this contract
Kok signed For Newcastle. Maybe we will see him again at the end of next season like we did with Steward Moore!
Hawkshaw and Moloney sign for Ulster Rugby
Ulster Rugby can announce that centre, Daniel Hawkshaw, and back row, Martin Moloney, have both signed one-year deals with the province and have joined the Senior Men’s squad.
24-year-old back Hawkshaw is a former Irish U20s Grand Slam winner in 2022 under Richie Murphy and was previously involved in Connacht Rugby’s Academy and the Ireland Sevens programme.
The centre has impressed for Clontarf Rugby, who reached the 2026 Energia All-Ireland League 1A Final and won the Bateman Cup last season.
26-year-old back row, Martin Moloney, joins the province following a two-year stint with PREM finalists Exeter Chiefs.
Moloney, an U20 Grand Slam winner in 2019, made 24 appearances for the Devon side and gained experience across the PREM, Investec Champions Cup and ECPR Challenge Cup.
Moloney previously made 11 senior appearances for Leinster Rugby, after progressing through the Leinster Academy before leaving in 2024.
On the two additions, Ulster Rugby’s General Manager, Rory Best, commented:
“We are delighted to be welcoming both Daniel and Martin into the senior squad. Both are talented players who have shown their potential and ability at club level.
“Both provide us with more depth options and competition for places as we prepare for the new season ahead.”
more depth wellcome