After making his Senior debut against Connacht on Boxing Day in 2014, the 29-year-old Ballymena-born hooker went on this season to hit 100 appearances in the Ulster jersey, in a hard-fought win over Munster at Thomond Park back in October.
Andrew is set to remain at his home club until at least July 2025, and will be looking to continue the form which has seen him score three tries in this season’s BKT United Rugby Championship, including against another interpro rival, Leinster.
Looking ahead to the upcoming seasons, Andrew, said:
“I’m delighted to have signed a new contract. I look forward to another couple of years ahead, and I always enjoy being able to play for my home province.”
Promising Ulster Rugby Academy product, Callum Reid, has also committed his future to his home province. The 24-year-old prop made his first Senior Ulster start against Zebre Parma this season, and continues to develop as part of Ulster’s Senior squad.
Belfast man Reid was a member of the Ireland U20s Grand Slam-winning squad in 2019, and was called up for the Emerging Ireland squad that successfully toured South Africa at the end of last year. Reid has scored two tries for the province in the BKT URC this season, including in a bonus-point winning opener to the season in front of a home crowd.
On securing his future with Ulster, Reid, said:
“I’m pleased to sign on for another two years with Ulster Rugby, and to be part of this exciting group of players.”
22-year-old Aaron Sexton has also put pen to paper on a new 2-year deal to keep him at Kingspan Stadium. Known for his lightning pace, the Ulster Rugby Academy graduate was an All-Ireland champion track sprinter for Bangor Grammar during his school days.
Sexton’s speed is now a dangerous weapon for Ulster, as shown in the side’s bonus point win over the Cell C Sharks in Durban in February, and he remains an exciting option in Dan McFarland’s squad at wing or full back.
Sexton concluded today’s announcements by saying:
“I'm delighted that my new contract will keep me at Ulster. It’s a great club to be part of, and I look forward to contributing whatever way I can in the future. I'd like to thank everyone who made it possible and I can’t wait for the challenge over the next couple of years.”
Head Coach, Dan McFarland, said:
“John, Callum and Aaron are homegrown players who will all continue to play an important role in our ambitions as a squad.
“With John’s experience, he is a player who can be relied upon to bring physicality at key moments in games. Callum and Aaron are young men who have shown a determination to keep progressing in their careers, with many more caps set to come their way.”