Ulster Rugby have confirmed next season's Academy squad and it includes five new faces.
Joe Hopes (club TBC), Lorcan McLoughlin (Queen’s University / IQ Rugby), James McNabney (Ballymena RFC), Rory Telfer (club TBC) and Scott Wilson (Queen’s University) have all been inducted as Year One players.
Ulster Rugby Academy Manager, Gavin Hogg said: “We’re extremely excited to confirm our Academy intake for season 2022-23, and welcome five new entrants into our squad.
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“Each of our new entrants has had different journeys along the pathway; it’s pleasing to see their hard work, and the support that has been provided by their clubs, schools and our programme, being rewarded with a place in the Academy. I would like to thank all of those people who have played a part in getting these players to where they are in the next stage of their development.
“The staff team is very much looking forward to supporting the continued development of the Academy players. Their integration with the senior squad and coaches will be a great but exciting challenge for this group over the next few months.”
New arrivals
Joe Hopes - Second Row - DOB – 16/12/04
Second row, Joe Hopes started his rugby with Donaghadee RFC before attending Regent House, where he played full-back before transitioning to the forwards. He later joined Campbell College, with whom he was a Danske Bank Schools’ Cup finalist earlier this year.
His stand-out performances earned him the accolade of Danske Bank Boys Schools’ Player of the Year. In April, he was selected for the Ireland U18 Men’s Schools’ squad, where he started all three games in the U18 Six Nations Festival.
Lorcan McLoughlin - Back-row - DOB – 03/03/02
Business Economics student at Queen’s University, Lorcan McLoughlin was identified through the IQ Rugby programme, and was part of the Grand-Slam winning Ireland U20s squad in the 2022 U20 Six Nations.
McLoughlin put in a series of barnstorming performances in the U20 Summer Series, making more carries than any other player in the competition. He was also part of the Queen’s University’s Bank of Ireland Senior Cup-winning squad. This season, Lorcan was selected for Ulster Development Inter-Pro games versus Connacht, Leinster and Munster.
James McNabney - Back-row - DOB – 28/02/03
Ballymena-born McNabney played schools’ rugby for Cambridge House Grammar School, and his stand-out performances led to his selection for Ulster and Ireland at Age-Grade level. He featured prominently in the Ireland U20s Six Nations Grand-Slam winning squad earlier this year. He also featured for Ulster ‘A’ and Development teams against Connacht, Leinster and Munster.
Rory Telfer - Full-back / wing - DOB – 29/08/03
Rory Telfer was a key player for his school, Coleraine Grammar in the 2021-22 Danske Bank Schools’ campaign. An accomplished kicker, he represented Ulster and Ireland at Age-grade level, most recently playing France in an U19 double-header with Ireland in April.
Scott Wilson - Prop - DOB – 06/08/02
The tighthead prop came through the Wallace High School rugby programme, helping them to the Danske Bank Schools’ Cup final in 2020. He caught the eye of international selectors and went on to represent Ireland at Age-grade level, including the 2022 Ireland U20s Grand-Slam team. He featured for Ulster Development and ‘A’ squads in the 2021-22 season against Leinster, Connacht and Munster.
In the U20 Summer Series, Scott was selected in the team of the tournament, having been one of two props to make at least 20 carries, and joint-top for defenders beaten by a prop.
Ulster Rugby Academy Squad 2022-23
- Year 1: Joe Hopes; Lorcan McLoughlin; James McNabney; Rory Telfer; Scott Wilson
- Year 2: James Humphreys; Conor McKee; George Saunderson; Harry Sheridan
- Year 3: Ben Carson; Reuben Crothers; James McCormick
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