Ulster seal signing of Ireland U-20 out-half Jack Murphy, son of the province’s head coach Richie

The exciting young back was rumoured to be following his father north from the Leinster sub-Academy, with the province confirming the news on Friday morning.

Murphy featured heavily for the Under-20s during their recent Six Nations campaign, which saw them finish second despite going unbeaten, and will add more depth at Ravenhill alongside Jake Flannery and fellow new arrival Aidan Morgan.

The fly-half is not the only one making the move from Leinster, with fellow Under-20s stars Sam Berman and Wilhelm de Klerk also joining the Ulster Academy, the latter of whom also featured prominently during the Six Nations.

South African born De Klerk started all five games at outside centre and is seen as a bright prospect within the Irish system, while Berman represented the underage side at last year’s World Championships.

Ulster have also added two more members of that Under-20s squad to their Academy with back row prospects James McKillop and Bryn Ward entering the programme.

The latter also started all five Six Nations matches this year in the openside flanker jersey and is a former Schools’ Cup winner with RBAI, while the former – who can also play lock – was a substitute in Ireland’s final round win over Scotland.

The final two players to join will see an Ireland Under-19s pair get a chance to make their mark as Coleraine scrum-half Clarke Logan and Dromore centre Jonny Scott have been added to the panel after earning international recognition, both having played for Ulster A in recent weeks.

The additions mean Ulster have 20 players in their Academy for next season, the most they’ve had in five years, with only one player exiting the system in prop George Saunderson, who has not been offered a senior or development deal at the conclusion of his three Academy seasons.

“The seven players joining us have showed great potential and have all played in the national pathway teams. We look forward to working with these players and helping their development, along with the 13 players who are progressing onto Year 2 and 3 of our programme,” said Academy manager Gavin Hogg.

“The Ulster Rugby Pathway has showed that players can progress with us and take their opportunities in the senior side when they arise.

“In 2023/24, we took great pride in the fact that Academy players such as Scott Wilson, James McNabney, Zac Solomon, Joe Hopes and Lorcan McLoughlin all made their senior debuts and made an important contribution in the senior side.

“They provide a great example to the Academy players that the chances are there to play. I would like to thank all the coaches across the domestic club and school game, who have helped these players to the academy level.

“We hope the players are excited to start their journey with us in the Academy, along with the support of the staff, head coach Richie Murphy and the senior staff, as they continue their rugby journey at Ulster Rugby.”

Ulster Academy squad

Props: Jack Boal, Jacob Boyd, Cameron Doak (all year 2)

Hookers: Zac Solomon, Henry Walker (all year 2)

Locks: Joe Hopes (year 3), Charlie Irvine (year 2)

Back rows: Tom Brigg, Josh Stevens (both year 2), James McKillop, Bryn Ward (both year 1)

Scrum half: Clarke Logan (year 1)

Fly half: Jack Murphy (year 1)

Centres: Sam Berman, Wilhelm de Klerk, Jonny Scott (all year 1)

Back three: Rory Telfer (year 3), Ethan Graham, Lukas Kenny, Ben McFarlane (all year 2)