Ulster

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Bundee Aki has returned to the Ireland squad for Friday's Six Nations game against Wales in Dublin (20:10 GMT), while Leinster pair Jimmy O'Brien and Robbie Henshaw are also back in contention.

Aki was handed a four-match ban in January for "verbal abuse and disrespect" towards match officials in Connacht's United Rugby Championship (URC) loss to Leinster in January.

That kept the 35-year-old out of his province's URC game against Leinster and Ireland's first three games in the Six Nations, but is now back with the squad.

O'Brien has also linked up with the squad and Henshaw is expected to return early this week after they both played the full 80 minutes in Leinster's 8-7 URC defeat by Cardiff on Friday.

Both were left out of Andy Farrell's initial 37-man squad for the Six Nations because of injury, but their return will bolster Ireland's options with James Lowe ruled out for the remainder of the tournament with a groin injury.

Fly-half Harry Byrne suffered a concussion in Leinster's defeat on Friday and is out, while Cormac Izuchukwu continues his graduated return to play protocols and will join the squad alongside the other nine players who have also returned to camp.

Farrell will name his team on Wednesday afternoon.

Issy Todd
BBC Sport NI contributor

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Wallabies prop Angus Bell says he has no plans to extend his Ulster spell beyond this season ahead of the province's trip to face the Ospreys this Saturday.

Bell joined Ulster on a sabbatical until the end of the 2025-26 campaign and made his debut in December in the side's 61-7 Challenge Cup win over Racing 92.

The 25-year-old said he remains committed to his deal with Rugby Australia, which runs to the end of 2027, despite describing his time in Belfast as "probably the best experience" of his career.

"Playing abroad was always something I wanted to do. It's something that I needed to do to grow up a bit and experience new things in rugby," Bell told BBC Sport NI.

"That's the beauty of rugby is that you can go across the world and play in a different country. It's been awesome to learn how different styles of rugby are played.

"We've got a really class team at Ulster and I'm loving my time here. Ask Rory, ask Besty about extending!"

Fourth-placed Ulster take on Ospreys on Saturday (19:45 GMT) at Brewery Field in round 12 of the United Rugby Championship.

Bell, who starts on the bench, is looking forward to the challenge against the ninth-placed Welsh outfit.

"They are a class team. We know how hard Ospreys are to play at home," he said.

"I've got some really good mates in that team. I grew up with Jack Walsh and I've known him since he was a young fella. I've also played with Ryan Smith - played against him and we've been in a couple of Wallabies squads together.

"It's going to awesome to play against those sort of lads and I'm really looking forward to taking the field with Ulster and hopefully getting a good result."

Both sides have international players back from the Six Nations, with Nathan Doak, Jude Postlethwaite, Tom Stewart and Bryn Ward all starting for Ulster.

Bell added: "We are in such a good position and I'm so glad I can hopefully build something here at Ulster towards the back end of the year.

"We're ready for the challenge and I'm really looking forward to this fixture."

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Ulster have welcomed back four of their Ireland Six Nations squad members for Saturday's United Rugby Championship (URC) game against Ospreys, but forward Cormac Izuchukwu is ruled out after sustaining a concussion in training this week.

The second row, who made his Six Nations debut for Ireland against Italy in Dublin earlier this month, is following World Rugby Graduated Return to Play Protocols and it is unclear if he will be available for the Test team's game against Wales next week.

Backs Nathan Doak and Jude Postlethwaite, plus forwards Tom Stewart and Bryn Ward, are all named in head coach Richie Murphy's starting side for the visit to Wales (19:45 GMT kick-off).

Michael Lowry is selected at full-back, with Werner Kok and Zac Ward on the wings and James Hume and Postlethwaite in midfield.

Jack Murphy and Doak form the half-back partnership, with Eric O'Sullivan, Stewart and Scott Wilson in the front row.

Iain Henderson and Charlie Irvine combine in the second row, with Matthew Dalton, David McCann and Bryn Ward in the back row.

Conor McKee, Jake Flannery and Ben Carson offer the backs options on the replacements' bench, with Rob Herring, Angus Bell, Bryan O'Connor and Harry Sheridan the forward substitutes.

Ulster have won seven of their 10 games to date in the URC and lie eight points adrift of leaders Glasgow Warriors before the weekend's action commences, with a rearranged match against Edinburgh in hand.

Their opponents this weekend, Ospreys, sit ninth in the standings, 11 points worse off than Richie Murphy's side.

Ulster: Lowry; Kok, Hume, Postlethwaite, Z Ward; Murphy, Doak; O'Sullivan, Stewart, Wilson; Henderson, Irvine; Dalton, McCann, B Ward.

Replacements: Herring, Bell, O'Connor, Sheridan, Rea, McKee, Flannery, Carson.

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Ulster head coach Richie Murphy says he hopes his side can benefit from the confidence his international players have gained in Ireland camp during the latter stages of the domestic season.

Four Ulster players - Stuart McCloskey, Robert Baloucoune, Tom O'Toole and Nick Timoney - featured in Ireland's thumping 42-21 Six Nations win over England, with McCloskey and Baloucoune widely praised for their performances.

While Murphy does not have that quartet's services for Saturday's United Rugby Championship game at Ospreys (19:45 GMT), Ireland squad members Nathan Doak, Cormac Izuchukwu, Jude Postlethwaite, Tom Stewart and Bryn Ward are expected to feature.

"They've enjoyed their time in camp and it's been great to see the Irish team do so well at that weekend and our boys within that really stand up," Murphy told BBC Sport NI.

"Our A team had a really good win against Munster last weekend as well so the atmosphere in our training camp is really good at the moment."

Murphy added: "Their confidence is high as you can see and hopefully we can get some good wins on the back of that."

Saturday's game at Electric Brewery Field will be Ulster's first since a 21-14 win over Cardiff on 31 January.

Ulster are fourth in the URC table and will face Saturday's opponents in the Challenge Cup round of 16 in April as Murphy's side chase silverware on two fronts.

"We're coming into the business end of the season, we know how important these points will be over the next number of weeks," added Murphy.

"We've nine games left with a possible five knockout games. It's a really exciting time. We have young guys coming up after doing well in that A game looking for senior spots and those international players, when they come back it's really important they bring us forward.

"There's a feelgood factor. It's important we keep focused and keep our feet on the ground and keep doing the things that got us in this position in the first place."

Richard Petrie
BBC Sport NI Journalist

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Ulster centre Jude Postlethwaite says his involvement with the Ireland squad in recent weeks has been "a big learning experience" and has given him added incentive to get himself in a position to earn his first international cap.

Postlethwaite was called up to the Irish Six Nations panel by head coach Andy Farrell and despite not being involved on the field of play as yet, he says training with the squad and being part of the group has benefited his development.

The 23-year-old is one of five players who have been released from Ireland duty to their province for Saturday's United Rugby Championship game against Ospreys.

"It's been class, a big learning experience. I got the call from Andy Farrell three weeks ago and it was pretty surreal," Postlethwaite told BBC Sport NI.

"The first week out in Portugal I learnt a lot and then the last few weeks have been brilliant.

"It's just good to be down there involved and being around all the players. You're learning off the best, players that I looked up to when I was younger.

"It gives me a bit of drive [to win a first cap] and obviously that's where I want to be, get up to speed with all the details there, so that if I do get the opportunity I can take it."

Postlethwaite's fellow Ulster centre Stuart McCloskey has earned rave reviews for his performances in the green shirt in recent weeks as Farrell's side secured victories over Italy and England after an opening defeat by France.

"Stuart has been incredible. I always knew he could put those types of performances in and I'm so happy for him.

"It's down to the kind of person he is, so determined, and it's great he's getting that opportunity to show the world what he can do."

Ulster have won seven of their 10 games to date in the URC and lie eight points adrift of leaders Glasgow Warriors, with a rearranged match against Edinburgh in hand.

Their opponents this weekend, Ospreys, sit ninth in the standings, 11 points worse off than Richie Murphy's side.

"Every game is important for us and we're ready for a big performance this weekend."

"Any details I can bring back from Irish camp to help the lads can only help and I'm just so excited to get out there playing again."

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Cormac Izuchukwu said his Six Nations debut in the 20-13 win over Italy was "unbelievable" amidst an injury-hit season for the Ulster lock.

The 25-year-old has had a stop-start campaign due to injury and illness, starting just four games for Ulster and missing Ireland's November games.

He played 59 minutes in the victory against Italy in his first game since 2 January, a relief for Izuchukwu after fearing he would need surgery earlier in the season which would rule him out of the rest of the campaign.

"Obviously I've been injured for the whole season, played like four or five games, haven't played since early January I think," he said.

"I met a surgeon recently and I was supposed to get surgery and stuff, and said I'd give it one more shot and then all of a sudden you're playing again, so it's class.

"It's unbelievable. I was delighted."

Izuchukwu, who has now won five Ireland caps, admitted he was caught by surprise at the magnitude of the Six Nations in the build-up to the Italy game.

"It's mental because for me at the France game, such a big stage and I had a taste of it from sitting on the bench as the 24th man, but then I treat every Ireland game just like an Ireland game," he added.

"They're all so special to me, whether it's Portugal or Fiji or Georgia or whatever, they mean the world to me, but I was blown away by the response from social media, online and my family, it's such a big deal to them.

"Six Nations, maybe I didn't grasp it as much as I should have, so that was a shock, but I kind of came to terms with the last couple of days, got my head around it and then just got stuck in."

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Ulster Rugby say they are "deeply saddened" by the death of former player Russell Nelson.

The South African-born flanker joined the Irish province in 2000 and made 30 senior appearances.

Alongside his career with Ulster, Nelson played for Ballymena RFC in the All-Ireland League and helped the club to the title for the first time in 2003.

Ballymena said the achievement "holds a special place" in the club's history in a tribute to Nelson.

Before joining Ulster, he played for Boland and the Bulls in his native South Africa.

In a post on social media, Ulster said that Nelson's "leadership and character" stood out.

"He will be remembered with great respect by teammates, supporters and all who had the privilege of knowing him," the province said.

"Our heartfelt condolences are with Russell's family and friends during this difficult time."

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Cardiff forward Ben Donnell will join Ulster at the end of the current season on a three-year deal.

The versatile 25-year-old, who is Irish-qualified, can also operate in the second row or back row positions.

Donnell represented England at U18 and U20 level and had spells at London Irish and Gloucester Rugby, before joining Cardiff in 2023.

He has made 26 appearances for the Welsh side and has scored four tries to date.

"I'm really pleased to be signing for Ulster Rugby. With my family roots in Belfast, it makes the move even more special for me," Donnell told the Ulster website.

"I am very excited by the opportunity to join a team that's playing some fantastic rugby and are competing at the top end of the league.

"I know how tough Ulster are to play against, so I'm hugely motivated to come in, work hard, and add real value to a squad full of young talent and quality experience. I'm looking forward to getting started and pulling on the Ulster jersey."

Ulster general manager Rory Best said that Donnell will add "depth" to Ulster's forward pack.

"He is at a good age, with valuable experience from London Irish, Gloucester and Cardiff and that will bolster our squad and help drive competition," Best added.

"Ben is a strong ball-carrier with the versatility to play in multiple positions, which is an important skillset to have in the modern game."

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Connacht scrum-half Matthew Devine will make the switch to Ulster at the end of the current season.

The 23-year-old will arrive on a one-year contract and reunites with Ulster head coach Richie Murphy who he played under when Ireland U20s won the 2022 Six Nations Grand Slam

Devine, who also worked with Ulster assistant coach Mark Sexton during his spell with the western province, has scored three tries this season for Connacht after graduating from the province's academy system.

"I'm delighted to sign with Ulster Rugby and can't wait to make the move up north," Devine said.

"It's a brilliant opportunity for me to join a team who are making great strides forward and playing some of the most exciting, attacking rugby in the URC.

"Having worked with the coaching staff before with the U20s, I have a great relationship with them, and I feel their style suits my game. I'm looking forward to meeting my new teammates and the Ulster supporters."

Devine will bolster Murphy's options at scrum-half with Ulster Rugby general manager Rory Best delighted to secure the services of the Ballinasloe native.

"We feel we have secured one of the most talented young scrum-halves in Ireland, who has a strong desire to kick on in his career and develop with his high potential,"Best said.

"He will add strong competition to our scrum half positions moving forward."

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Ulster captain Iain Henderson says the side are "by no means the finished article" after their 21-14 victory over Cardiff in the United Rugby Championship.

The Irish province led 14-0 at the break thanks to Scott Wilson's try and Angus Bell's superb score, but Cardiff attempted to stage a second-half comeback and scored two tries.

The result means that Ulster leapfrog Matt Sherratt's side up to fourth in the URC table and they have now lost just one of their last six games.

"I have been saying it all year, we knew things were bubbling in the last 18 months or so," Henderson said.

"Last week's game and this week's game shows that we are by no means the finished article, we have loads to work on.

"Fair play to the coaching staff and what they have brought our squad from last season to pre-season and to the start of this season."

Eight players from Richie Murphy's side are missing due to Ireland call-ups. However, the side scored three well-worked tries with Angus Bell registering a superb solo effort.

Ulster will return to URC action after the Six Nations with a trip to Wales to face seventh place Ospreys.

"That was awesome. What a night at the Affidea Stadium," Player of the Match Matthew Dalton added.

"It can't get better than that.

"We are sitting in a great position going into the next block."

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Fly-half Jack Murphy has signed a two-year contract extension to remain at Ulster until 2028.

The 21-year-old arrived at the province in the summer of 2024 from Leinster and initially linked up with Ulster's academy side.

He was then promoted to the first team by his father and Ulster head coach Richie and made his debut against Munster in December 2024.

Murphy was the top points scorer in the 2024 Under-20 Six Nations Championship and his impressive form for Ulster this season has earned him a call-up to the Ireland XV side for February's fixture against England 'A' in Limerick.

"I'm very happy to be staying at Ulster for another two years. From the minute I joined I have felt very welcomed by the staff, players and the Ulster supporters," said Murphy, who has made 25 appearances for the province.

"I'm enjoying my time here and the opportunities to play in both the URC and Europe.

"We have showed the clear progress we are making together and I'm very driven to continue that development with my teammates in the future."

Ulster's general manager Rory Best added that tying Murphy down to a new deal was "another key contract priority" for the province following the recent extensions handed out to the likes of Nathan Doak and Cormac Izuchukwu.

"Jack has shown an impressive maturity for his age and has already shown that he can lead our attack from number ten," he said.

"His kicking game is a real point of difference for our style of play and the way we want to put pressure on the opposition.

"The exciting thing about Jack is the potential that he has, and we must continue trying to make the most from his talent over the seasons ahead."