| The Derry born player, who will be 27 in November, had been involved with the Ulster squad for three seasons and been capped at Sevens level for Ireland before joining the Premiership outfit. Ulster Coach Mark McCall is pleased to be welcoming him back, "We are very pleased that Seamus has re-signed with Ulster, we are all very aware of his quality and experience and very much looking forward to seeing him in an Ulster shirt once again"
Ulster Rugby also officially confirmed the signing of former Belfast Harlequins hooker Neil Hanna on a two-year contract. Hanna, who has been playing his rugby for the Earth Titans in Rotherham for the two last seasons is 25 years old. Hanna has made 39 appearances for Rotherham who are fighting for Premiership promotion and is rated highly by Mark McCall, "We are very excited to have brought Neil back after two very good years in the first division in England, he is an extremely accomplished and exciting young player who we have high hopes for."
Hanna will replace Paul Shields in the Ulster Squad, who will join the Northampton Saints at the start of next season on a three year contract. Shields who recently won his 101st cap for Ulster has been with the province since 2000 when he made his debut against Toulouse in the Heineken Cup. Mark McCall commented: "I am delighted for Paul that he has secured a 3 year contract with Northampton. Paul has been an excellent servant to Ulster over the last 6 seasons and will be missed around Ravenhill and the training ground, he is a great character and we wish him all the best at his new club"
Four development players have also re-signed contracts with Ulster Rugby, McCall said " We are delighted with the progress these four guys have made in the last twelve months and are confident that they will continue to strive at Ulster" The players who have re-signed their development contracts are Ballymena's Chris Henry and Belfast Harlequin's Stuart Philpott, Niall Conlin and Mark Kettyle.
|
