Two young outhalves sign contracts with Ulster

Ulster have confirmed two outhalves have signed new contracts with the province.

20-year-old Bath number 10 Brett Herron, an England under-18 international who is Ireland qualified, will swap the Rec for Ravenhill.

Meanwhile Ireland under-20s star Johnny McPhillips has been upgraded to a a development contract.

Both players will give Ulster added back-up at outhalf, with the ever improving Paddy Jackson likely to have a heavier involvement with Ireland over the coming years.

On the two new contracts, director of rugby Les Kiss said: "We are delighted to bring Brett into the Ulster environment. He has undoubted potential, with an array of skills and real line-breaking ability, which we aim to explore further. With the depth of International-class outhalves at Bath, Brett's opportunities have been limited to the 'A' team and Rosslyn Park, where he has excelled. An injury curtailed his almost certain starting berth for England in the U20 World Cup.

“Johnny McPhillips enjoyed a successful stint with Ireland U20s in this season’s Six Nations Championship and that experience will stand him in good stead. He is mature well beyond his years and he has the right temperament and ability to succeed at the highest level. He will undoubtedly push through next season and stake a claim for senior squad involvement.

“We would fully expect Paddy Jackson to be involved with Ireland squads in the coming years so the knock-on effect will be the requirement for Ulster to produce more Irish-qualified options at 10. Brett and Johnny are definitely two very exciting prospects.”