Rugby: Two more put pen to paper to sign new deals with Ulster

Ulster Rugby have confirmed two more players have signedccontract extensions to remain in Belfast for the foreseeable future.

Hooker James McCormick and prop Callum Reid have signed fresh deals until 2028 and 2027 respectively.

23-year-old hooker McCormick has enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2024/25, after making his senior debut against Glasgow Warriors in the URC, earning his first start against Bulls at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

It was also a memorable night for the Ballymoney man against Ospreys at the Kingspan Stadium in October, as he powered over for two tries on the night.

McCormick played in the Ireland U20 Grand Slam winning side of 2022, working under now Ulster Head Coach Richie Murphy and Assistant Coach Jimmy Duffy.

On the news of his new deal, McCormick said: “I’m delighted to sign for the next three years here. I feel this season has been massive for me on a personal level getting more game-time and I’m really looking forward to what the future holds.”

25-year-old loosehead prop Reid is also a product of the Ulster Rugby Academy, having joined after success at school level with three successive Schools’ Cup victories with RBAI.

Reid made his senior debut against interprovincial rivals, Munster, in 2021.

He was also part of the Irish U20 Grand Slam winning side in 2019 and was a member of the Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa in 2022.

Reacting to the news, Reid said: “I’m really pleased to have signed on for the next two seasons at Ulster Rugby. The last couple of years have been tough with injuries keeping me out of action, but I’ve made some strides forward on that this season.

“My focus is on getting back to a consistent level of fitness and kicking on from there. We have a great group here and I want to show the best of my ability in the future.”

Commenting on the extensions, Ulster Rugby’s General Manager Bryn Cunningham, added: “It’s great to have secured two talents such as James and Callum for the future.

“James has been thrown in at the deep end this season with our injuries at hooker and he has shown what he is about. He is a strong lineout thrower and has showed his try-scoring ability too.

“I know that Richie and Jimmy think highly of him having worked together previously at Irish U20 level and we all believe James can have a very exciting career in front of him at Ulster.

“Callum has been through a difficult period with injury keeping him sidelined for a period but now that he is back fully fit, we are looking forward to him showing what we all know he’s capable of.

“He is at a good age to keep learning and developing as a prop, and the challenge for Cal going forward will be to push the props ahead of him and realise his undoubted high potential.”