Another Leinster player is heading up the M1 to Belfast.
The IRFU put to bed a long-running story, this morning, as they confirmed Leinster and Ireland prop Jack McGrath would be joining Ulster next season.
The 54-times Ireland international and British & Irish Lions star has found himself slipping behind Cian Healy this season, in provincial and Test rugby, and he is making the switch to give himself a fresh start. McGrath commented:
(Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile)“This was a difficult decision but one I believe will put me in the best position to continue to perform at the top end of the game. I have enjoyed a huge amount of success at Leinster but I feel that looking beyond the World Cup to the next phase of my career I will benefit from the opportunity within the Ulster environment.
“I am now fully fit after a disrupted start to the season and am looking forward to putting all my energy into helping Leinster’s drive to defend the European and PRO14 titles and finishing this season on a high.”
“Jack has made a very tough decision,” said IRFU High Performance Director David Nucifora,”which he believes will advance his case for selection for Ireland. You have to respect a player with such ambition.”
McGrath will become the 12th former Leinster player or native to pitch up at Ulster Rugby. The current Leinster lot are:
- Nick Timoney
- Marty Moore
- Eric O’Sullivan
- Greg Jones
- Jordi Murphy
- John Cooney
- Alan O’Connor
- Ian Nagle (originally Munster but joined Leinster in 2016)
- Jack Regan
- Dave Shanahan
- Clive Ross (from Cork but signed from Lansdowne RFC)
As for Ulster, the news is a minor victory after their Champions Cup loss to Leinster at the weekend. Ulster head coach Dan McFarland said, “”We are delighted to be welcoming Jack on board next season, and it is hugely encouraging to see a player of his calibre express the desire to join us.
“Jack’s quality on the field is undoubtable, and his experience of playing at the highest level will be a hugely valuable asset to the club as we continue to develop a promising group of young forwards.”
CHECK OUT JACK McGRATH’S APPEARANCE ON HOUSE OF RUGBY
