Rugby: Addison and Ewers among Ulster leavers at the end of this season

Ulster have announced further departures from the club at the end of the current season.

Will Addison will depart, alongside Dave Ewers, who only arrived at the beinning of the campaign.

Addison has made 44 appearances in an injury-hit spell in Belfast, but has played 15 times this season, while years has donned the white shirt of the province 14 times.

The departures add to those already known, with both Luke Marshall (166 apperances) and Angus Curtis (25 appearances) retiring, Steven Kitshoff returning to South Africa and Billy Burns having already agreed a deal to move to Munster for the 2024-25 campaign.

Also leaving the Kingspan are Greg Jones (44 appearances), James French (4 appearances) and Shea O'Brien (1 appearance)

On the players departing the province, Bryn Cunningham, Head of Rugby Operations and Recruitment, said: “On behalf of everyone at Ulster Rugby, I would like to say thank you to the players that will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

“Despite all being at various stages of their careers, with some having spent many years at the club and others at the start of their professional rugby, it is important to acknowledge the positive impact that each individual has made on the club, both on and off the pitch and in terms of their professionalism day in, day out.

“I would, however, like to give special mention to Lukey having been a proud servant of Ulster Rugby for the past fifteen years. He epitomises what it is to be one of the Ulster men, after starting out with Ballymena RFC and going on to represent his club, country and family at the highest level of the game. He is the template in terms of character for what pathway players should aspire to be.

“We look forward to joining with supporters on Saturday night to mark the contribution of this group and wish them the best for the future.”

Players will meet supporters, sign autographs, and pose for photos outside the players’ entrance at the back of the Grandstand, from approximately 15 minutes after full time of Saturday's URC match against Leinster, which has a 7.35pm kick-off.