Ulster have locked in a 41-player senior squad for 2026/27, with Iain Henderson’s continued captaincy giving Richie Murphy’s remodelled group an obvious hard edge before the new URC campaign.
The province confirmed the full group on 23 June, naming seven new signings and two development players promoted from the academy structure. The most important detail is not simply the volume of recruitment, but where the weight has landed: Eduardo Bello, Keynan Knox, Eli Snyman and Ben Donnell all strengthen the pack, while Matthew Devine, Jamie Benson and Chay Mullins refresh the backline.
Ulster put leadership around a younger core
Henderson remains the fixed point. That matters because Ulster’s list is being built around both imported authority and local acceleration, with Bryn Ward set for his first full senior campaign after stepping up from the academy pathway.
The balance is clear. Ulster’s official announcement also notes ten players who have been called into Ireland’s summer Nations Championship squad: Tom O’Toole, Tom Stewart, Cormac Izuchukwu, Nick Timoney, Bryn Ward, Nathan Doak, Zac Ward, Jacob Stockdale, Stuart McCloskey and Robert Baloucoune.
That gives Murphy a squad with international exposure, but also a familiar risk. Ireland duty can sharpen players, yet it can also stretch preseason continuity. Ulster’s opening months will show whether the new forward depth has arrived quickly enough to absorb that pressure.
For more Ulster pathway context, see Read Rugby Union’s recent Ulster coverage. The full squad confirmation is available via Ulster Rugby.
