In a historic first-ever international trip for the US opposition, the New England Free Jacks’ Academy team will travel to face a Development side selected by Hogg, on Thursday 16 May (kick-off 3.30pm).
The match format will be three sessions, each lasting 30 minutes, in order to give more game time for larger squads.
On Development fixture v New England Independents
Hogg says that both players and staff are looking forward to welcoming the Boston-based side to Belfast.
"I think firstly, it’s exciting for that group to get the chance to play at Kingspan Stadium. They don’t get many opportunities to play here at our home stadium, so that’s something the group should really look forward to.
For us, it’s a chance to test ourselves against different opposition with a different style of rugby and see how the players adapt to that.
It’s a chance for a young group of guys, who have performed well for their club and schools this year, to back that up in an Ulster shirt.
I know the guys are always proud and excited to pull on the Ulster jersey and have the opportunity to do that in front of home fans, it will be really special."
Hogg also touched on the upcoming Ulster 'A' fixture against Ireland U20s on Saturday 1st June at Kingspan Stadium, that would be a great fixture for both sets of players.
On Ulster 'A' v Ireland U20s
"I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for both sides. Ireland U20s are going off to the Junior World Cup in South Africa in mid-June, so this match will be part of their warm-up games and preparation for the tournament.
Once again, it’s a chance for us to put together a side that will consistent of some senior fringe players and some academy guys being tested against good opposition.
Ireland Under 20s have had a couple of Grand Slams in the past few years, were unbeaten in this year’s tournament, so the level of opposition will be fantastic.
They always get a really good following in Cork, so hopefully we can get a few people through the turnstiles and get a really vocal home support, not only to send the Under 20s off in a confident mood but to get behind the Ulster guys and put on a good show."
Importance of fixtures
"It's massively important. It gives them that exposure in front of the senior coaches within match play and coming together as a group.
The guys are viewed throughout the year in the AIL and that’s really important in terms of their development. It's that next step up and it closes that gap between club rugby and URC rugby.
It gives them a platform and they can build confidence to show they can be relied upon, whether its at end of this season or moving into next season."
Pride in Development/ Academy players making step up to Senior level
"It's fantastic, that is the purpose and objective of the Academy and the Player Pathway. You want to produce the potential to go on to play for Ulster and Ireland, so when you see some players now get an opportunity and start to perform at the highest level and become important members of the squad, it's fantastic.
It's great to see those guys getting consistent game-time with the Senior side and that provides motivation for the guys underneath. If they train consistently and perform well within training, there are opportunities to get a senior debut and hopefully we'll see a few more to follow in the next 12 to 18 months."
Ulster Development v the New England Independents<br>
Thursday 16 May, kick-off 3.30pm <br>
Kingspan Stadium
Ulster ‘A’ v Ireland U20s <br>
Saturday 1 June, kick-off 1pm <br>
Kingspan Stadium
Ticketing Info
Tickets are now on general sale at ulster.rugby/buytickets , priced from £8 for Adults, £4 for Juniors or £20 for family tickets (2A & 2J).
Watch Live Streams
Both fixtures will also be streamed exclusively live on Ulster Rugby Live, our new home of live and on-demand action.
Visit live.ulster.rugby to sign up and place your order for either of these fixtures for just £5. You can also browse an on-demand archive of club and schools fixtures from recent months.