Supporters will have the chance after full-time to wish a farewell to the players confirmed as this season’s leavers.
Everybody at Ulster Rugby would like to thank to the players for their service.
(Senior caps in brackets)
John Andrew (137)
Angus Bell (15)
Matthew Dalton (23)
James Humphreys (8)
Werner Kok (33)
Ben Moxham (41)
Rory McGuire (1)
Bryan O’Connor (5)
Marcus Rea (59)
Sean Reffell (16)
David Shanahan (104)
The province can also confirm that Academy players Sam Berman, Wilhelm De Klerk, Ethan Graham, Lukas Kenny and Josh Stevens will also leave following the conclusion of the current season.
Paying tribute to those leaving, General Manager, Rory Best commented:
“I’d like to thank the players who are moving on for their application and contributions to Ulster Rugby.
“I hope that supporters will join us on Friday night after full-time, as we celebrate their efforts and wish them well for the future.”
Best singled out two Ulster Rugby centurions, John Andrew and David Shanahan, to mark their longevity and importance, with both having played for over a decade in the senior side.
“I had the privilege of being teammates with both John and Dave, both of whom have made a big impact both on and off the pitch and have been valuable stalwarts of the senior squad.
“Both have made over 100 appearances in the jersey and have been fantastic teammates, setting a high level of professionalism for others to follow.”
Academy Manager, Gavin Hogg, also took the opportunity to thank the Academy leavers for their efforts.
“We thank those departing for all their hard work and commitment during their time in the academy programme. Myself and all the academy staff have enjoyed working with each player and supporting them in their development.
“We wish each of them all the best in their next steps.”
John Andrew:
With the curtain coming down on a dedicated Ulster career, John Andrew has been a fantastic success story for the province. The stalwart would fulfil his ambitions of playing for his province at the top level, after achieving success at school level. In 2010 Andrew was the captain who led Ballymena Academy to their first Ulster Schools’ Cup title since 1981. A promising back rower then, Andrew would transition to hooker in the Academy system and never looked back. He made his senior debut in 2015, and became an invaluable member of the senior squad, going on to make over 130 appearances. A popular member of the squad, Andrew has been a great professional and leaves big shoes to fill.
David Shanahan:
David Shanahan, known to his teammates and Ulster supporters as ‘Shanners’, has been a vital member of the Ulster squad since he first joined the province as an Academy player.
A former Belvedere College student, Shanahan played through the Ireland underage levels and was offered an Academy contract, making his senior debut in 2013.
Shanahan is an intelligent scrum-half known for his speed, energy and support lines. He is regarded as a high impact player, always raising the tempo and speed of attack when on the pitch. An Ulster centurion, Shanahan has been a popular figure in the squad, valued for his professionalism, humility and commitment to the province.
Marcus Rea:
‘I'm just a country boy from Glarryford and that's all I'll ever be.’
Ballymena man, Marcus Rea, leaves Ulster with pride after fulfilling a lifelong goal of playing for Ulster Rugby. His talent was clear to see in his schoolboy rugby days, captaining a strong Ballymena Academy side. Rea joined the Ulster Rugby Academy back in 2016, with older brother Matty already in the senior squad.
Rea had a memorable Player of the Match debut against Leinster in April 2019, coming on as a replacement to join his brother Matty in the back row and scoring a crucial try.
He would go on to become an important member of the Ulster senior squad and is known for his effective work around the breakdown, in 2021/22 Rea topped the URC charts for turnovers, showing his jackalling ability.
Ben Moxham:
A native of Larne, he came through the Ulster pathway after beginning his rugby journey with Larne RFC and later Ballymena RFC and Ballynahinch RFC. Known for his size, athleticism, and versatility, Moxham developed into an attacking option in Ulster’s backline. He scored the first senior try of his Ulster career against the Stormers during the 2022–23 season and showed great resilience to overcome two long term ACL injuries and play at the top level.
Werner Kok:
The 33-year-old South African wing joined Ulster from the Sharks in 2024 and immediately brought his energy, enthusiasm and work-rate into the senior side. The former Blitzbok Sevens star has showcased his try-scoring ability, with 12 tries scored in all competitions so far, and playing a key role in Ulster's relentless attack this season.
Matthew Dalton:
Capable of playing in the second or back row positions, Dalton re-joined his boyhood province last season after spells in England and France. Dalton played his school rugby through Belfast Royal Academy, before joining the Ulster Rugby Academy. He made his senior debut against Benetton in 2017 and produced a Player of the Match performance against Cardiff Rugby this season.
Sean Reffell:
Born in England and Irish-qualified, Reffell came through the Saracens academy system before joining Ulster in 2022 after earning a reputation as one of Saracens’ standout young forwards. A physical and intelligent back-row player, he quickly impressed with his defensive performances, including a remarkable 42-tackle display against Munster in 2023. Despite injury setbacks, Reffell has been a valued member of the senior team.
James Humphreys:
A talented goal-kicker and reader of the game, Humphreys leaves his province to pursue playing opportunities elsewhere. The son of Ulster and Ireland legend, David Humphreys, James is a skilled fly-half who has shown his ability in the senior side and for Ulster ‘A’.
After joining the Academy system from Gloucester Rugby’s Academy, James made his senior Ulster debut last season against Vodacom Bulls in South Africa.
Angus Bell:
One of the best props in world rugby, Wallaby loosehead Angus Bell has showed his unique ability in a short space of time for Ulster, with his individual try against Cardiff Rugby earlier this season being shared across the rugby world for his side-stepping efforts. At 25-years-old he has a wealth of experience under his belt and has the best years of his career ahead of him.
Bryan O’Connor:
Known as ‘BOC’, Bryan O’Connor joined Ulster during the 2024/25 season after a spell with Bedford Blues. He is a former Irish U20s player and was previously in the Munster Rugby Sub-Academy. The Cork man has played five times for Ulster’s senior side and is a strong scrummager at tighthead prop.
Rory McGuire:
A physical tighthead prop, McGuire joined Ulster Rugby from Leinster Rugby ahead of the 2025/26 season. A former Ireland U20s player, McGuire made his senior Ulster debut against Cardiff Rugby in the pool stages of the EPCR Challenge Cup. The tighthead prop has been unfortunate to miss out with injuries this season and has played in the AIL for City of Armagh RFC.
