ULSTER HAVE CONFIRMED that trio Robert Baloucoune, James McNabney and Joe Hopes have all committed their futures to the province, until at least the summer of 2029.
2026 has been a big year for winger Baloucoune, whose provincial form saw him brought in to the Ireland squad for the Guinness Six Nations. The Enniskillen man scored three tries in the competition, a key contribution to Ireland securing the Triple Crown. The 29-year-old was also named the BKT Rising Star player of the Championship.
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A recent call-up to Andy Farrell’s Nations Championship Squad, 23-year-old back-row forward McNabney extends his contract following a whirlwind start to his senior Ulster career.
Following a breakthrough campaign in 2024/25, McNabney was included in the Ireland summer training squad before an ACL injury ruled him out of the 2025/26 campaign.
McNabney has since made a welcome return to the field for Ulster and is putting himself back in the national team conversation.
Former Ireland U20s forward Joe Hopes has also put pen to paper on a new deal. The 22-year-old has been gaining important minutes this season for Ballynahinch RFC in the AIL 1A division ,while competing for selection in Ulster’s matchday squads.
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Ulster and Ireland winger Robert Baloucoune signs new Ulster deal
ULSTER HAVE CONFIRMED that trio Robert Baloucoune, James McNabney and Joe Hopes have all committed their futures to the province, until at least the summer of 2029.
2026 has been a big year for winger Baloucoune, whose provincial form saw him brought in to the Ireland squad for the Guinness Six Nations. The Enniskillen man scored three tries in the competition, a key contribution to Ireland securing the Triple Crown. The 29-year-old was also named the BKT Rising Star player of the Championship.
A recent call-up to Andy Farrell’s Nations Championship Squad, 23-year-old back-row forward McNabney extends his contract following a whirlwind start to his senior Ulster career.
Following a breakthrough campaign in 2024/25, McNabney was included in the Ireland summer training squad before an ACL injury ruled him out of the 2025/26 campaign.
McNabney has since made a welcome return to the field for Ulster and is putting himself back in the national team conversation.
Former Ireland U20s forward Joe Hopes has also put pen to paper on a new deal. The 22-year-old has been gaining important minutes this season for Ballynahinch RFC in the AIL 1A division ,while competing for selection in Ulster’s matchday squads.
dotted line Ireland james mcnabney Joe Hopes robert baloucoune Rugby Union Ulster Rugby