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Ulster sign Irish-qualified South African and Australian youngsters
Published 15:45 11 Feb 2026 GMT
Updated 15:45 11 Feb 2026 GMT
Homerugby
Making moves.
Ulster have announced the signings of two Irish-qualified youngster - Paddy Woods and Rynard Gordon - with both men joining as first-year Academy recruits.
As per Ulster's statement, Woods, 18, is a second row from Perth, with family roots in County Down.
This summer, he lined out for both the Ulster U19s and Western Force U19s, and has recently played in AIL Division 1B for Queens University.
Gordon, also 18, is a South African-born back, who can play at centre or in the back three.
He qualifies though family ties in Belfast, and recently played for the Ulster U19s during a trial period.
Academy Manager, Gavin Hogg, said: “We are delighted to welcome both Paddy and Rynard into our Academy system.
“Paddy is a promising young lock with good physical presence and Rynard is an exciting backline player with the ability to beat defenders.
"Both players have shown us their clear potential, and we are pleased to be welcoming them into the Academy to progress.
"With both being Irish-Qualified through family, we hope that we can help both players develop in our Academy programme and become ones for the future.”
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