Ulster Rugby Announce Signings

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http://www.ulsterrugby.com/11221.php

Ulster Rugby can confirm nine squad signings, ahead of the 2010/11 season... Ulster No8 Chris Henry has signed a new three year deal with the Club. Henry made his senior squad debut in the 2008/2009 season for Ulster, and has gone from strength to strength, captaining the side on numerous occasions, in Rory Bests absence through injury, and being awarded five Ireland 'A' caps.

Senior squad members; Nigel Brady, who has been caped 65 times to date for Ulster, Willie Faloon and Ian Whitten, have all re-signed on two year contracts.

Speaking about the Clubs recent signings, Ulster Rugby Operations Director, David Humphreys said: "The Management team at Ulster are delighted that we have been able to re-sign key home grown talent to the squad. Our focus is to continually build on the foundations set and mould a powerful Ulster side, consisting mainly of indigenous players, with a number of high profile overseas signings.

"It has been great to see young players coming through the ranks and making their mark."

"We are very close to completing the squad for the 2010/2011 season. Over the next few weeks we will aim to announce the majority of our contract news."

Commenting on his recent re-signing with Ulster, Chris Henry said: "I believe the squad has moved a considerable distance over the past twelve months, and has now become a young vibrant side. Ulster has become a challenging team, both in the Magners League and Heineken Cup, and will continue to go from strength to strength. I am really pleased that I will be part of the team for years' to come.

"They are a great bunch of guys in the squad, and there is some fantastic talent coming through, so the future with Ulster is looking really exciting."

Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy players; scrum half, Ian Porter, centre/wing Nevin Spence, prop Adam Macklin and prop Paddy McAllister, have all signed one year contracts with Ulster Rugby, as has Belfast Harlequins player Neil McComb.

Commenting on the Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy player signings, Academy Manager, Gary Longwell, remarked: "These contracts are a testament that the Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy system is working, and working well. Credit must be given to the Schools' coaches who have worked tremendously hard with these players to get them to such a standard, the Academy staff then build on this work, to bridge the gap between the school and professional game.

"David Humphreys and Brian McLaughlin have recognised the home grown talent available, and have given these players a chance to excel. The challenge is now on the players to push their way into the Ulster squad and make the positions their own.

"These players are the future of Ulster and hopefully future Irish internationals, having all played at Irish under20's level" continued Gary.[/b]

Whitten, Faloon and Henry re-signing is excellent news for Ulster since all three can play a big part in their team over the coming years. Brady is a useful backup hooker.

Perhaps of more interest to the makeup of their squad next season is the academy players signing their 1st contracts. Macklin and McAllister are both props which would seem to indicate a senior pro is leaving. Will it be BJ Botha to South Africa or Justin Fitzpatrick to retirement. Porter signing a deal likely spells the end of Paul Marshall or Cillian Willis' tenure. Spence could be coming in at the expense of Timoci Nagusa, Simon Danielli or Bryn Cunningham. Neil McComb is likely a backup option. Could he be replacing Matt McCullough who's apparently considering retirement due to injury?

All in all, it's great news for Ulster. If they can bring in a quality 2nd row (Johann Muller looks likely to be coming on board), a bit of class at scrum half and an attacking threat at fullback, they'll be well placed to mount a challenge on next year's Magners League.