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Gilroy and Rea among latest player to agree Ulster extensions

Ulster have continued their week of contract signings by handing new one-year deals to a trio of ...



Ulster have continued their week of contract signings by handing new one-year deals to a trio of players. 

Craig Gilroy, Marcus Rea and Angus Curtis will all stay with the province until at least the end of the 2021-22 season.

The likes of Ian Madigan, Rob Herring, Robert Baloucoune and Kieran Treadwell have all signed new deals at Kingspan Stadium.

While the real coup of the week was the signing on a one-year deal of former European Player of the Year, Leone Nakarawa.

Winger Gilroy is now ten-years removed from his debut season with Ulster, and remains a mainstay of Dan McFarland's side.

"I’m very grateful to have secured another contract with my home province," the 29-year old said, "And to play for this great club. I am hopeful about what we can achieve together as a squad in the season ahead.”

McFarland added, "Craig is one of our longest-serving players, and as such, he adds a huge amount of experience and expertise to the squad.

"A talented winger with the ability to score from just about anywhere on the field, Craig continues to give a huge amount both on and off the field."

Back-row forward Rea made his Ulster debut in 2018, and has put in a string of fine performances of late with the Ulster 'A' team.

That hasn't gone unnoticed by McFarland, who said, "Marcus has put in some really good performances for Ulster at ‘A’ level and in the IRFU Sevens tournament this season, which earned him senior opportunities against Glasgow Warriors and Ospreys.

"He has developed his game both sides of the ball through his excellent work ethic, and I’m excited to see what the future holds."

Former Ireland U20 international Curtis can operate at both out-half and the centre, but has endured a spell on the sidelines recently through injury.

He said, "With my rehab from injury coming to an end, I’m looking forward to being back training with the lads, and hopefully getting on the pitch in the near future.

"The club is filled with amazing people and I’m very grateful to be a part of it all.”

McFarland added, “Angus is a hugely skilful player at both out-half and centre. He’s been very unlucky over the past couple of years with injury and I’m looking forward to him making his return soon.”

STUART LANCASTER | Grassroots rugby and learning from other sports | #OTBFUTURE

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Angus Curtis Craig Gilroy Dan Mcfarland Leone Nakarawa Marcus Rea Ulster