Ulster nab Leinster whizz and former Meath minor star

This could be a great steal.

Connor Magee, Tom McAllister, Flynn Longstaff, Daniel Green, and Josh Gibson are all 20 or younger, but the province have made a wily choice to bring in the services of the slightly older Aitzol Arenzana-King from the Leinster academy.

The 22-year-old was one of, if not the best winger the Ireland U20s have had in recent years, with his combination of size and pace wreaking havoc as Ireland won the Grand Slam in 2022.

At 6ft 3in and over 15st, he looked primed to make a quick impact with the Leinster senior team, having already shone alongside the likes of James Culhane, Gus McCarthy, and Sam Prendergast.

However, he failed to make the in roads that were expected of him, as younger players such as Andrew Osborne jumped ahead in the queue.

In the end, he only made three appearances and one start for his province, scoring one try, against the Dragons earlier in the season.

If Ulster can unlock the form he showed for the Ireland U20s, Leinster may come to regret letting him go.

He also represented Meath footballers at minor level.

Ulster Rugby Academy Manager Gavin Hogg said: “We are very pleased to welcome six new entrants into our Academy for the upcoming season.

“All players have shown high potential in the early stages of their career, whether for their clubs, schools, or playing in the national or Ulster age-grade sides.

“We are looking forward to helping these guys continue their development, alongside our 12 players who are progressing onto their second and third years of the Academy.

“We have seen recently how important it is to be prepared for the top level of rugby, with a number of players – including Charlie Irvine, Wilhelm de Klerk, Jacob Boyd, and Jack Murphy – all playing for the senior team this past season.

“Our ultimate ambition is to bring these players through and make sure that they are ready to make an impact in an Ulster jersey.

“Under Richie Murphy, there is a strong alignment between the senior squad and Academy, which has really driven up the levels in training and competition for places for next season.”