Supporters will have the chance to say a fond farewell to the Senior Men’s players confirmed by the club as this season’s leavers: (caps in brackets)
Corrie Barrett (9)
John Cooney (154)
Reuben Crothers (7)
Michael McDonald (1)
Alan O’Connor (210)
Matty Rea (111)
Kieran Treadwell (177)
Andrew Warwick (209)
The province can also confirm that Academy players, Rory Telfer, Zac Solomon, Jack Boal, Cameron Doak and Ben McFarlane will also be leaving following the conclusion of the current season.
On the players departing, Ulster Rugby’s General Manager, Bryn Cunningham, paid tribute to the dedication and commitment shown by those leaving.
“On behalf of Ulster Rugby, I would like to say thank you to the players leaving us at the end of this season.
“Each player has made an important and positive contribution, both on and off the field.
“We look forward to joining our supporters on Saturday night to celebrate their contributions for the province and wish them all the very best for their next chapters.”
Cunningham paid specific tribute to five of Ulster Rugby’s longest serving players who are set to depart after years of service.
“I think supporters will join me in thanking Al, Andy, Kieran, John and Matty for their time at Ulster Rugby. Between them, they have amassed over 850 caps in the jersey and will leave behind some big shoes to fill.
“Al and Waz have been superb role models in the way they go about their work with a no-nonsense attitude and total commitment to the jersey over the years. Both players hit the milestone of reaching over 200 caps for Ulster Rugby earlier this season, becoming members of that special club.
“John and Treaders made a huge impact on the senior team since joining us and made every Ulster supporter proud when they went on to represent Ireland on international duty. I know John will miss the chants of ‘Cooney’ ringing round Ravenhill!
“Matty has given his all for the shirt since he joined after impressing in the AIL with Ballymena, and like the others mentioned, he can be incredibly proud of his contributions over the years while finishing his time strongly this season.”
Academy Manager, Gavin Hogg, also paid tribute to the five departing Academy players for their efforts, adding “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the departing players for their dedication and effort shown during their time within our pathway.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed watching how they have developed not only as rugby players, but as young men and we wish them all the best in their future careers, whether that be on or off the pitch.”
2024/25 Ulster Rugby Leavers
Alan O’Connor
Known affectionately as ‘Big Al’ the experienced lock has been a key member of the Ulster team since making his Senior Men’s debut against Leinster back in 2012. O’Connor joined the Ulster Rugby Academy after impressing for Ireland U20s and would go onto a senior contract for the 2016-17 season.
O’Connor was named Ulster’s Player of the Year in 2021 and was awarded the URC’s tackle machine award for the 2021-22 season, after he made an incredible 195 tackles across the campaign with a success rate of 97.5%.
The Skerries man has captained the team over 70 times and earlier this season, he hit over 200 appearances for the province, thus cementing himself in Ulster Rugby’s history books.
Andrew Warwick
A dependable and strong prop, Andrew Warwick has been a key member of Ulster Rugby’s front row for over a decade. The 34 year-old Ballymena man broke into the Senior side back in 2014, after playing AIL rugby with Ballymena RFC.
A strong scrummager and set-piece player, Warwick, has given his all to the jersey down the years and earlier this season, he reached the 200-cap milestone for his province, marking an amazing achievement for the man who doesn’t love the limelight.
Kieran Treadwell
29-year-old Treadwell first joined Ulster back in 2016 after he showed potential with both Ireland U18s and England U20s. The Irish-qualified second row quickly established himself within the senior squad with his strong lineout calling, high work rate, and his carrying ability.
The Sutton-born man has made 11 caps for Ireland on the international stage, including being a part of the 2022 tour of New Zealand and a member of the 2023 Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam winning side.
Treadwell has made over 175 caps for Ulster and re-joins Gallagher Premiership side, Harlequins, this summer.
John Cooney
The 34 year-old scrum-half joined the province from Connacht in the summer of 2017, and quickly became a fan favourite with his outstanding performances and match-winning goal-kicking contributions.
With over 1,000 points scored, Cooney has made an indelible impact at Ulster, where he has been named in the URC Team of the Year five times and nominated for the EPCR European Player of the Year in 2020.
Cooney has received numerous accolades at the annual Ulster Rugby Awards over his eight seasons, including the club’s Player of the Year twice and Supporters’ Club Player of the Year on three occasions.
During his time at Ulster, he was also capped 11 times by Ireland on the international stage.
It was confirmed in March that Cooney will be moving on the French side, CA Brive, this summer after eight years of service.
Matty Rea
A former Danske Bank Schools’ Cup winner with Ballymena Academy in 2010, Rea joined Ulster Rugby back in 2012 on a development deal after impressing for Ballymena RFC in the AIL. A physical and aggressive back row player, Rea has made over 100 appearances for his province and has played alongside his younger brother, Marcus, for the senior side over the years.
Reuben Crothers
A former Ireland U20 Grand Slam and Danske Bank Schools Cup winning captain, Crothers, steps away from the professional game at the end of the season after making seven appearances for the senior team. Crothers came through the Ulster Rugby Academy and made his senior men’s debut against Connacht in 2023.
Corrie Barrett
A former Schools’ Cup winner with Royal Belfast Academical Institution in 2015/16, Barrett joined the senior men’s team after a trial period last summer. Barrett had previously been involved in the Ulster Rugby pathway at U19 and ‘A’ level before playing in the RFU Championship with Bedford Blues and Doncaster Knights. Barrett played nine times for the senior side this season.
Michael McDonald
25 year-old scrum-half, Michael McDonald, departs the province after joining from Super Rugby side, Western Force, back in 2022. The former Junior Wallaby made one cap for Ulster and spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Connacht.
