Ireland prospect 'delighted' to extend Ulster stay on eve of new URC season
Ulster have received a welcome boost ahead of their season opener against reigning URC champions Glasgow at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday evening (7.45pm). The announcement that David McCann has signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him with the province until at least 2026 is a real fillip for head coach Richie Murphy.
Murphy turned things around in the last quarter of last season after succeeding Dan McFarland in the hot-seat and, under his guidance, McCann will push for Ireland honours in the back row if can stay injury-free.
“I’m delighted to sign a new deal with Ulster Rugby," said the 24-year-old, who was a regular stand-out performer in the last campaign and a real turnover specialist. "I felt last season was a huge year for me personally, and I want to continue that into next season."
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McCann has played for Ireland's under-20s and Emerging Ireland, so the next step is to force his way into the Test level picture.
“I’ve worked hard on my game, felt I had some good form, and enjoyed being a regular in the team as we competed in the URC and Europe," he said.
“We have a great blend of forwards here, and I love training and playing alongside them. My aim is to keep developing as a player and I’m excited about being part of this squad for the years to come.”
With Billy Burns moving on to Munster, Irish-qualified New Zealand out-half Aidan Morgan comes straight into the starting line-up for his competitive debut for the province. The ex-Hurricanes and New Zealand under-20s international will partner Nathan Doak in the half-backs.
Jude Postlethwaite, one of six Ulster players named in the latest Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa that will take place early next month, starts at inside centre.
Cormac Izuchukwu and Harry Sheridan, two more Emerging Ireland picks, are named on the Ulster bench - along with summer signing Werner Kok - who will hope to see action on the wing or at centre.
Two development players are also in line for their debuts - out-half James Humphreys and hooker James McCormick.
Iain Henderson will lead the province out as skipper as Ulster, who went out at the quarter-final stage last season after finishing sixth in the table after the regular series of fixtures, look for a fast start to the new term.
Ulster: Ethan McIlroy, Mike Lowry, Stewart Moore, Jude Postlethwaite, Jacob Stockdale, Aidan Morgan, Nathan Doak; Eric O’Sullivan, John Andrew, Corrie Barrett, Iain Henderson (C), Kieran Treadwell, James McNabney, David McCann, Nick Timoney.
Replacements: James McCormick, Andrew Warwick, Tom O’Toole, Harry Sheridan, Cormac Izuchukwu, Dave Shanahan, James Humphreys, Werner Kok.
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