Ulster Rugby confirm eight senior players to leave at end of season

Ulster Rugby have confirmed eight senior players will leave at the end of the season.

A statement said, "This Saturday, at our final home fixture against the Sharks, we’ll take the opportunity to thank them for their incredible contributions"

Supporters will have the chance to say a fond farewell to the Senior Men’s players confirmed by the club as this season’s leavers: (caps in brackets)

Corrie Barrett (9)

John Cooney (154)

Reuben Crothers (7)

Michael McDonald (1)

Alan O’Connor (210)

Matty Rea (111)

Kieran Treadwell (177)

Andrew Warwick (209)

The province can also confirm that Academy players, Rory Telfer, Zac Solomon, Jack Boal, Cameron Doak and Ben McFarlane will also be leaving following the conclusion of the current season.

On the players departing, Ulster Rugby’s General Manager, Bryn Cunningham, paid tribute to the dedication and commitment shown by those leaving.

“On behalf of Ulster Rugby, I would like to say thank you to the players leaving us at the end of this season.

“Each player has made an important and positive contribution, both on and off the field.

“We look forward to joining our supporters on Saturday night to celebrate their contributions for the province and wish them all the very best for their next chapters.”

Cunningham paid specific tribute to five of Ulster Rugby’s longest serving players who are set to depart after years of service.

“I think supporters will join me in thanking Al, Andy, Kieran, John and Matty for their time at Ulster Rugby. Between them, they have amassed over 850 caps in the jersey and will leave behind some big shoes to fill.

“Al and Waz have been superb role models in the way they go about their work with a no-nonsense attitude and total commitment to the jersey over the years. Both players hit the milestone of reaching over 200 caps for Ulster Rugby earlier this season, becoming members of that special club.

“John and Treaders made a huge impact on the senior team since joining us and made every Ulster supporter proud when they went on to represent Ireland on international duty. I know John will miss the chants of ‘Cooney’ ringing round Ravenhill!

“Matty has given his all for the shirt since he joined after impressing in the AIL with Ballymena, and like the others mentioned, he can be incredibly proud of his contributions over the years while finishing his time strongly this season.”

Academy Manager, Gavin Hogg, also paid tribute to the five departing Academy players for their efforts, adding “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the departing players for their dedication and effort shown during their time within our pathway.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed watching how they have developed not only as rugby players, but as young men and we wish them all the best in their future careers, whether that be on or off the pitch.”