Former Ulster player and legendary enforcer in the pack, Alan O’Connor has shared his thoughts on which of Ulster’s next generation can become stars for the province.
The lock retired at the end of the 2024/25 season and got to train with lots of the young players trying to earn a place in the squad currently.
O’Connor appeared on Stand Up: An Ulster Rugby Show with Gareth Steenson. During the podcast, O’Connor was asked which young players he saw the most out of during training before his retirement at the end of last season.
This conversation came in the context of Ulster’s heavily rotated team, which saw them play the youngsters away to Munster.
James MacNabney
The first player highlighted by O’Connor was number eight James MacNabney. MacNabney was named as a training player in the 2025 Summer Series for Ireland, where he tore his ACL and hasn’t played since.
O’Connor shared “He loves carrying and he’s huge as well. Once he’s back I’m looking forward to that.”
Steenson added, “He will be like a new signing once he comes back.” A new powerful style of back row could be building in Ulster with Bryn Ward, Nick Timoney and David McCann along with international signing Juarno Augustus.
Tom McAllister
The second player he focused on was tighthead prop Tom McAllister, who has been on the outskirts of the senior squad this season. O’Connor reflected “He seems like the full package. Runs good lines. Good skills. You see him in the scrum hold his own against some of the really experienced guys.”
The tighthead position is all about experience.This year will be about building this experience around the rest of his play.
James McKillop and Charlie Irvine
Charlie Irvine is a huge second row, while McKillop can play in the second row and back row.
On McKillop he said, “It will be great to see how he can fit into that squad.”
Irvine received big compliments from a fellow lock, O’Connor sharing, “He’s going really well, running a good ship whenever Hendy’s (Iain Henderson) isn’t involved”
As Ulster develop this squad of young players they will build their depth and look to push many of these players to become Ireland internationals.
