Andy Farrell has requested that Ulster prop Tom O’Toole make a permanent switch to loose head prop after a successful stint on the left-hand side of the scrum during the Six Nations this year.
This news was reported by Neil Fissler of RugbyPass, who shared the news that Ulster had signed Argentina tighthead prop Eduardo Bello in response to the request.
Fissler reports, “Farrell started O’Toole at looshead in their final two Six Nations games against Wales and Scotland, and the long-term plan is for him to play in the position for Ulster next season.”
Ulster win the battle for Bello
Bello has been at the Newcastle Red Bulls, and the 30-year-old signed a contract extension with the PREM side last August, but hasn’t played in this campaign due to an ACL injury. The tighthead was part of the Argentina squad that finished fourth in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Reports from RugbyPass had suggested that there was clear interest in the prop from Northampton Saints in the PREM and his former club Zebre. He had played for Zebre 83 times before his initial move to Saracens in the PREM.
John Dobson of the Stormers had also targeted a move for the prop last summer, but a deal with Ulster is expected officially in the next few days.
Bello had been given an opportunity to prove his fitness last week to Ulster management, and after this are willing to offer him a one-year contract.
What does O’Toole offer at loosehead?
Loosehead prop was a major area of concern for Ireland heading into the 2026 Six Nations as they were without Andrew Porter and Jack Boyle through injury.
Munster players Jeremy Loughman and Michael Milne were called up, and O’Toole was given an opportunity to train in the early stages of the competition.
O’Toole grew throughout the Six Nations and obviously showed Ireland coaches a good picture, and he was given the starting shirt in the final game, having come off the bench against Italy and England.
For Ireland fans, it has been frustrating to see the prop go back to Ulster and play tighthead.
This is mostly due to the presence of Angus Bell in the Ulster team this year, who, along with O’Toole, offered a balanced front row. Ulster ended the season with disappointment when they lost the Challenge Cup final heavily to Montpellier in Bilbao and finished ninth in the URC to just miss out on a playoff place.
