Ulster Rugby Squad and list of new signings for 2023/24

** Ulster Rugby announces 2023/24 squad with key additions **

Ulster Rugby have unveiled their 45-man squad for the upcoming season, with notable signings such as Steven Kitshoff and Dave Ewers. These additions strengthen the squad, with Kitshoff’s impressive record as a World Cup-winning Springbok and Ewers’ involvement in Exeter Chiefs’ unprecedented Premiership and Champions Cup success. The club are aiming to build on their previous season, which saw Ulster take part in rugby play-offs in both the United Rugby Championship and the Heineken Champions Cup.

**Committed to Ulster Men: Retained Players and Irish Talent**

The 45-person squad consists of 40 senior players and 5 development players, all proud to represent Ulster. The team retains 37 players from the previous season, demonstrating their commitment to the province. Among the squad, 43 players have qualified for Ireland, five of whom contributed to Ireland’s historic Grand Slam victory in the Guinness Six Nations. Additionally, seven Ulster players are currently part of Andy Farrell’s summer training squad.

** Nurturing Homegrown Talent: Ulster Rugby Player’s Journey **

Ulster Rugby shows its commitment to developing young talent through its Player Pathway programme. Of the 45 players, an impressive 34 were trained through the Academy, provincial school or club system. This talent pool includes promising figures like Harry Sheridan, Ben Carson, Reuben Crothers, Conor McKee and James McCormick, who are eager to earn their debut with a development contract.

**New signings to bolster Ulster’s top tier options**

Ulster Rugby strengthens its front line with three new signings. Steven Kitshoff, who led the DHL Stormers to victory in the inaugural URC Trophy, joins the Province on a three-year deal following the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Kitshoff’s arrival is expected to make him one of the main stalwarts of the game. In addition, Dave Ewers, a powerful Zimbabwe-born No.8, brings his 13 years of experience with Exeter Chiefs to Ulster. Additionally, Irish prop James French, an Academy product from Munster, adds depth to head coach Dan McFarland’s frontline options.

**Head Coach McFarland’s ambitions for the new season**

Head Coach Dan McFarland expresses his pride in the team’s accomplishments so far and highlights the collective strength gained by overcoming challenges. It underlines the club’s ambition to claim silverware in the coming season, building on the mix of youth and experience from his playing journey and strong signings for 2023/24. McFarland looks forward to welcoming Steven Kitshoff, Dave Ewers and James French as Ulster men in Belfast.

**Join the excitement: Secure your Ulster Rugby season ticket**

To be part of the thrilling action, fans can secure their places for Ulster’s home games in the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup for the 2023/24 season. Those interested can find more information and purchase season tickets at ulster.rugby/seasontickets.

**Ulster Rugby Senior Men’s Team 2023/24**

Here is the list of players included in the Ulster Rugby Senior Men’s squad 2023/24:

– Will Addison
– Jean Andre*
–Robert Baloucoune*
– Billy Burns
-Ben Carson*
–John Coney
– Ruben Crothers*
–Angus Curtis*
–Nathan Doak*
–Dave Ewers
–Jake Flannery
–James French
– Iain Henderson* (Captain)
–Rob Herring
–James Hume*
–Cormac Izuchukwu*
-Greg Jones*
–Steven Kitshoff
–Mike Lowry*
–Luke Marshall*
–David McCann*
-James McCormick*
–Stuart McCloskey*
–Conor McKee*
– Ethan McIlroy*
– Marty Moore
–Stewart Moore*
–Ben Moxham*
–Shea O’Brien*
–Alan O’Connor*
– Eric O’Sullivan*
–Tom O’Toole*
–Jude Postlethwaite*
–Marcus Rea*
– Matty Rea*
– Sean Refell
–Callum Reid*
–Aaron Sexton*
–David Shanahan*
–Harry Sheridan*
–Tom Stewart*
–Jacob Stockdale*
–Nick Timoney*
–Kieran Treadwell
–Andrew Warwick*

Note: Players developed through Ulster Rugby Academy or the Ulster Schools and Clubs system are marked with an asterisk.

. Development actors are indicated in italics.