The Evans brothers make their return to the international team after they both pulled out of last month’s qualifiers through injury.

Preston North End midfielder Ali McCann, who also missed October’s double-header against Switzerland and Bulgaria through injury, has returned to the fold, too.

Manchester United’s Ethan Galbraith, who has been captaining the U21s, has been called up to the senior side once again after an impressive start to life on loan at Doncaster Rovers.

Blackpool forward Shayne Lavery, however, is among those who are yet to return to the side, missing out through injury.

The Northern Ireland senior men’s team boss has given a first senior call-up to young Nottingham Forest striker Dale Taylor, who has previously played extensively at underage level for his country.

Reading goalkeeper Luke Southwood will join a Northern Irish set-up for the first time in his career.

Qualification is not a possibility for Ian Baraclough and co. but strong results and a Bulgarian defeat to Switzerland will see them finish third, despite their loss to Yasen Petrov’s side.

Northern Ireland squad for November Internationals

The post Jonny Evans returns to Northern Ireland squad for final WC qualifiers appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Ulster Rugby’s new squad update has shown no new injury concerns following last week’s URC match in Belfast. In the game, they showed a strong team performance to beat Benetton at home 28-8 on Friday.

The bonus-point victory brings even more optimism for the fans of Dan McFarland’s team as they continue their winning run this season.

A fantastic @UlsterRugby try from @nathan_doak#URC | #ULSBEN pic.twitter.com/0oknVEIiy6

— United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) October 8, 2021

The Ulster Medical team has made an announcement today, giving a very positive squad update for the week ahead.

Marty Moore suffered a concussion in training last week, and he is currently following the concussion Return to Play protocols.

Kieran Treadwell, Rob Lyttle, Eric O’Sullivan, Robert Baloucoune and David O’Connor have all now resumed full team training following their recent respective periods of unavailability.

A try for @robert_herring2 on his 200th @UlsterRugby appearance! #ULSvBEN #URC #SUFTUM pic.twitter.com/xesOoIadKo

— Kevin Bateson (@kevbateson) October 8, 2021

Ulster’s next match will be a very challenging affair. They will face their first South African opponents of the new URC when they play against the Lions.

The match will kick off at 19:35 on Friday, 15th October in the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.

To read more in-depth and up-to-date Ulster and provincial rugby news, click here.

The post Good news for Ulster Rugby after recent Squad Update appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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.

Murphy has been playing at Ulster since leaving Leinster in 2018. Will Addison played Sale Sharks, but he moved to Ulster also in 2018. The contract of both players was due to expire over the summer but they have now put pen to paper which is sure to exit Ulster supporters.

As I previously mentioned the province also confirmed their squad for the new season. Jacob Stockdale, Matt Rea and Sean Reidy will all remain at the province. Stewart Moore has committed to a three year deal, he will graduate from the Ulster academy to be a development player, before been upgraded to the senior squad. Meanwhile, Ian Madigan comes into the squad on a one year contract. Madigan comes to Ulster after playing with Bristol Bears. Alby Mathewson will also return on a one year deal, having played with Munster.

Dan McFarland, head coach at Ulster rugby said, “Our desire to build on the successes of this season to-date is evidenced in our strong investment in talent from the current squad. Although it’s an uncertain time for rugby, and all sport, I am confident our selection will stand us in good stead for when we are able to safely start the new season”.

McFarland also thanked players that have retired or moved clubs he said, “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the players who are moving on from the squad. This includes Clive Ross, who earned 73 caps since joining the province on a development contract in 2014, along with 21-capped Angus Kernohan, and Zack McCall.

Ulster Rugby 2020/21 Squad:

Players developed through the Abbey Insurance Academy or Ulster club system are marked with * and development players are in italics.

Will Addison

John Andrew*

Robert Baloucoune*

Billy Burns

Sam Carter

Marcell Coetzee

John Cooney

Angus Curtis*

Matt Faddes

Craig Gilroy*

Iain Henderson*

Rob Herring

James Hume*

Bill Johnston

Greg Jones*

Ross Kane*

Michael Lowry*

Louis Ludik

Rob Lyttle*

Ian Madigan

Luke Marshall*

Alby Mathewson

Adam McBurney*

Kyle McCall*

Stuart McCloskey*

Jack McGrath

Gareth Milasinovic

Marty Moore

Stewart Moore*

Jordi Murphy

Alan O’Connor*

David O’Connor

Eric O’Sullivan*

Tom O’Toole*

Marcus Rea*

Matty Rea*

Sean Reidy

David Shanahan*

Jonny Stewart*

Jacob Stockdale*

Nick Timoney*

Kieran Treadwell

Andrew Warwick*

The post Murphy and Addison sign new deals appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.