Rugby: Treadwell to depart Ulster at the end of the season

Ulster's long-serving lock Kieran Treadwell will leave Belfast at the end of the season to rejoin Premiership side Harlequins.

Treadwell first joined Ulster back in 2016 after he showed potential with both Ireland U18s and England U20s. The 29-year-old Irish-qualified second row quickly established himself within the senior squad.

The Sutton-born man has earned 11 caps for Ireland, including being a part of the 2022 tour of New Zealand and a member of the 2023 Six Nations Grand Slam winning side and has made over 170 appearances for the province.

“Kieran came to Ulster as a young man with a lot of potential and he developed into an important member of the senior men’s squad," Ulster General Manager Bryn Cunningham.

“Being a key member of our forward pack over the years, he has always brought great athleticism to the game. It was a great source of pride to see him called up for Ireland and play in the Six Nations and on the tour of New Zealand in 2022.

“While doing a great job at supporting our young forwards coming through, there’s no doubt everyone will miss his personality around the group.

“It’s fitting that he is returning home to Harlequins for the next chapter in his career, and everyone at Ulster Rugby wishes Kieran and his family all the very best for the future. We look forward to seeing him back ‘home’ in a few years.”

Treadwell has spione of his 'immense pride' at wearing the Ulster jersey.

“I arrived in Belfast eight years ago as a 20-year-old with a chance to represent Ulster and a dream of playing international rugby.

“I never knew when I arrived how much playing for Ulster would mean to me and how much I would love living here. I leave as a man who has represented the province over 170 times and fulfilled my ambition of playing international rugby," he said.

“I met and married my wife Beth in Belfast and made a home here that we look forward to returning to in the future.

“I’ve made friends for life here and had so many amazing experiences on and off the field. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone within Ulster Rugby and the wider community for the time I have had here.

“I leave with immense pride and fond memories of my experiences."

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