21-year-old, Harry Sheridan, who can play at lock or flanker, burst onto the scene during a tough period in Ulster’s season. The powerful forward has signed a new 1-year Development contract, which will be followed by a 1-year Senior deal, keeping him with the province until at least 2025.
Sheridan made his Senior debut from the bench against Stade Rochelais at Stade Marcel Deflandre in the Heineken Champions Cup this January, and was rewarded for his impact with a start against DHL Stormers in front of a home crowd at Kingspan Stadium later that month. The Holywood native scored his first try for the province against Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium in Round 14 of the BKT United Rugby Championship.
Scrum half, Conor McKee, joins Sheridan in committing his future to Ulster in a deal which also sees him put pen to paper on a 1-year Development contract, backed-up by a guaranteed year in the Senior team set-up. The number 9 has been getting gametime at his club Ballynahinch RFC in the All Ireland League, and has received recognition for his running and kicking game.
Ulster Rugby is also investing further in local talent in its Player Pathway with a further three Development contracts.
Hooker, James McCormick, has signed a new 1-year Development deal as he continues to progress in his playing career. The 21-year-old plays for City of Armagh RFC at club level, and was a constant in the Ireland U20s side that won the Six Nations Grand Slam last season.
Backrow player, Reuben Crothers, has also agreed a Development contract to keep him at the province. A natural leader, Crothers, captained last year’s Ireland U20s to Grand Slam victory, with many impressed by his strong work ethic and defensive skills. Crothers plays his club rugby alongside Academy teammate, Conor McKee, for Ballynahinch RFC.
Finalising today’s Development contracts is 21-year-old Ben Carson who was also part of the Ireland U20s Grand Slam winning team. The strong running centre plays his club rugby for Banbridge RFC, and will continue his development within the Ulster Pathway in the year ahead.
On the new contracts, Head Coach Dan McFarland, says the province’s track record on giving promising players opportunities makes Ulster Rugby an attractive place to develop:
“It’s encouraging to build on the number of players in our Senior Men’s team who have progressed through our Player Pathway, and it’s great motivation for Harry, Conor, James, Reuben and Ben who are hungry to learn.
“Harry is a great example of a player that was knocking on the door, and when he got an opportunity with the Senior side, he really took his chance.
“I’m excited to see all of these young men continue to develop their talents with Ulster Rugby, and it bodes well for the next generation of homegrown talent.”