Biography
James McNabney is a powerful back-row forward who has progressed through the Ulster Rugby pathway into the senior squad.
James played his schools rugby at Cambridge House Grammar School before developing through the Ulster and Ireland age-grade programmes.
Nicknamed 'Horse', he was a member of Ireland’s 2022 and 2023 Under-20 Grand Slam-winning sides.
James made his senior Ulster debut against Glasgow Warriors in November 2023, impressing at number eight.
He would continue to perform well at senior level, with his ball carrying ability and work rate standing out.
The Ballymena man was called into the Ireland Senior side's Six Nations squad in 2025 as a development player.
He was in line for more international involvement before a cruel ACL injury sustained in training.
After a season out of action, James is hoping to hit the ground running in 2026/27 and showcase his fantastic potential.
