Ulster have announced the signing of Irish qualified scrumhalf Michael McDonald from Super Rugby side the Western Force.
The 23-year-old, who was born in Louth before moving to Australia with family aged 13, has penned a one-year deal at the province. McDonald joins John Cooney, Nathan Doak and Dave Shanahan as the scrumhalves in Ulster’s senior squad.
He has represented Australia at underage level, playing in the squad that reached the Junior World Cup final in 2019 and also spent time with the Sydney-based Waratahs.
playing in the southern hemisphere, and he will fit in well with the style of rugby we want to play at Ulster, as he continues to hone his skills in the months ahead.
Sergio Garcia holds out hope as Cyclone Alfred has his say Down Under
Owen Doyle: Some decisions made in the Ireland v France game were utterly bizarre
Referees aren’t the only ones responsible for controlling dangerous play
Red cards no surprise, curious pitch markings and everything we learned from the GAA weekend
“Michael is a promising young half-back who has cut his teeth playing in the southern hemisphere, and he will fit in well with the style of rugby we want to play at Ulster, as he continues to hone his skills in the months ahead,” said head coach Dan McFarland on the move.
“We look forward to welcoming Michael to the club as preparations for the new season get underway.”
On signing with Ulster, McDonald, said: “I’m really excited about the opportunity to be joining Ulster. It’s always been a goal of mine to get back to Ireland and experience rugby in the northern hemisphere at a professional level. I’m extremely grateful, and I look forward to having a go.”
