The fresh faces joining the 12-strong group are James Humphreys, Conor McKee, Jude Postlethwaite, George Saunderson and Harry Sheridan.

All five players were involved in this year’s U20 Six Nations campaign for Richie Murphy’s Ireland.

Humphreys, who joins the province from Gloucester Rugby’s Academy set-up, will follow in the footsteps of his father, David Humphreys, as an out-half, having previously played at scrum-half during his school days.

The 20-year-old Queen’s University Belfast student played against Scotland and Italy for Richie Murphy’s national team.

Meanwhile, Belfast-born, Conor McKee, also helped steer Ireland to third place in this year’s Under-20 Six Nations Championship.

The scrum-half, who was the leading points-scorer for his school, Sullivan Upper, in 2019, has already gained valuable experience in the provincial set-up through his involvement with both the U18 Schools and U19 teams.

19-year-old, Jude Postlethwaite, joins the Academy after been recognised as the leading try-scorer in the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup in 2020, earning him a nomination for the competition’s Player of the Year, whilst playing for RBAI.

Postlethwaite has represented Ireland at Sevens as well as at U20 level and the Lisburn native also enjoyed success as part of last season’s Ulster ‘A’ squad.

George Saunderson, another former pupil of Sullivan Upper School, also gained prominence in the 2020/21 season for his involvement with the province’s ‘A’ side, following time spent with the Ulster U19s.

This led to the 20-year-old prop playing against Wales, France and Italy for the Ireland U20s and scored a try in the latter game.

Rounding off this season’s Year 1 players is 19-year-old, Harry Sheridan – a third product of Sullivan Upper joining the side.

As his school’s leading try-scorer in 2020, the lock, like some of his fellow Academy new-starts, featured in the Ulster ‘A’ setup on top of his international exploits.

He also gained experience in the second row during time spent with the Ulster U19s.

On the selected squad, Ulster Rugby Academy Manager, Gavin Hogg, said: “With a promising new intake, who have already showcased their talent and tenacity, joining our Academy group, I am looking forward to what the season ahead holds.

“I am confident the coaching group and myself will be able to build on the solid foundation which each of these players has established through their involvement over the past number of years in the school, club and international game.

“I would like to thank all of the coaches, particularly those within a domestic game setting, who have played their part in getting these young men to where they are now. The opportunity to continue along the Ulster pathway, all with the support of Dan McFarland and his staff, is fantastic for these players, all of whom have a bright future ahead of them.”

ULSTER RUGBY ACADEMY SQUAD 2021/22:

Year 1:

James Humphreys

Conor McKee

Jude Postlethwaite

Harry Sheridan

George Saunderson

Year 2:

Ben Carson

Reuben Crothers

James McCormick

Ben Moxham

Conor Rankin

Year 3:

Azur Allison

Lewis Finlay

The post Ulster Rugby 2021/22 Academy Squad Announced appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Diarmuid Barron has been promoted to the senior squad and becomes the fifth Academy player to get promoted to the senior ranks for the new season. He will now join up Keynan Knox, Liam Coombes, Alex Henry and Jack O’Sullivan.

Scott Buckley has captained Christian Brother College Cork (CBC) to the Clayton Munster Senior Schools Cup in 2019.Furthermore, he has played at international for Ireland at both U18 and U19. Buckley played for the Munster A squad this season and was captain of the side away to Dragons. He picked up a hamstring injury though which kept him on the sidelines for most of the season.

Jack Crowley won the Munster U18 and All-Ireland titles with Bandon RFC in 2018. In addition he has played with Bandon Grammar School in the Clayton Hotel Munster Schools Cup. Crowley has played for the Ireland U20 side in this years Six Nations scoring 36 points in three games as Ireland won the Triple Crown. This was before the tournament was brought to a halt due to Covid 19. He has played with Munster A in the Celtic Cup and also has been a key part to the Cork Constitution side in the AIL.

Alex Kendellen comes into the Academy straight out of school. He led PBC to a Munster Schools Cup final this year. He has lined out for the Munster U18’s and U19’s.  Moreover, he has captained the Ireland U18 schools team as well as playing Ireland U18 7’s rugby.

The squad is as follows, broken down into year three, year two and year one.

Thomas Ahern (Lock/Shannon), Jack Daly (Back-row forward/Garryowen), Ben Healy (Out-half/Garryowen), James French (Prop/UCC), Seán French (Centre/Cork Constitution), Eoghan Clarke (Hooker/Shannon), Jonathan Wren (Back three/Cork Constitution), Josh Wycherley (Prop/Young Munster).

Jake Flannery (Out-half/Shannon), John Hodnett (Back-row forward/UCC), Paddy Kelly (Lock/Young Munster), Eoin O’Connor (Lock/Waterpark RFC).

Scott Buckley (Hooker/UCC), Jack Crowley (Out-half/Cork Constitution), Alex Kendellen (Back-row forward/PBC).

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