Rugby: Ulster sign Leinster prop while Crean returns permanently
Last updated 14th May 2025
Ulster have confirmed the signings of props Sam Crean and Rory McGuire for next season.
Crean joins the province from Saracens on a permanent basis, having played twice for the side earlier this season during a short-term loan as injury cover. The 24-year-old primarily plays as a loosehead prop but can also cover hooker.
The former England U20 player came through the Saracens Academy before gaining minutes with the senior side in the English Premiership and Champions Cup.
Tighthead prop McGuire, 22, joins from the Leinster Academy set-up and has made eight appearances for the senior side.
Standing at 6’4” and weighing 119kg, McGuire has previous history with Head Coach Richie Murphy, having been a member of the Grand-Slam winning Ireland U20 side of 2022.
McGuire has played club rugby for UCD RFC in the All-Ireland-League, while studying mechanical engineering.
On the signings, Ulster Rugby’s General Manager Bryn Cunningham said: “We are delighted to be bringing in both Rory and Sam this summer. Both are talented props at good age profiles to develop as players and add competition to our squad.
“Rory is a big, physical tighthead prop who will be pushing hard for his opportunity to play more senior rugby.
“Richie knows him well from Ireland U20s and we think he is an exciting prospect, who is eager to kick on under Jimmy Duffy.
“Sam, after a brief stint earlier this season on loan during which he really impressed the coaches, can hopefully hit the ground running and really challenge both Eric O'Sullivan and Callum Reid for the number one jersey.”
Ulster will play Challenge Cup rugby next season after they finished outside the top 8 in the URC.
The province had already confirmed the signing of Northampton Saints Number 8 Juarno Augustus, with eight players leaving the club at the end of the current campaign.
John Cooney, Reuben Crothers, Michael McDonald, Alan O’Connor, Matty Rea, Kieran Treadwell and Andrew Warwick will all depart the Kingspan following Friday night's final league match awya to Edinburgh.