Ward signs first senior contract with Ulster

Bryn Ward has signed his first senior contract with Ulster after impressing as an academy player this season. The back row forward made his Ulster debut in an October URC defeat by the Lions in South Africa and has delivered some eye-catching performances since, picking up player of the match awards against Munster and Stade Francais in January. Ward was called up to the Ireland senior squad for the recent Six Nations campaign having initially been named as a training panellist and represented Ireland XV against England 'A' at Thomond Park in February.

The 21-year-old joins older brother Zac as a full-time Ulster player. "I am very happy to sign my first senior contract with Ulster Rugby; it's always been a dream of mine to wear the jersey and I've managed to fulfil that this season," Ward said. "I'm taking everything in my stride and enjoying the pressure that comes with playing at this level.

I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead and feel driven to keep improving my game as a senior player next year. " Ulster's General Manager Rory Best paid tribute to Ward's "strong mentality" despite being a relative newcomer to the Ulster senior squad. "Bryn's standout performances have been a fantastic success story for us this season," Best said.

"Credit goes to Bryn for taking his opportunities and the coaching staff within our academy system and senior team who have prepared him to perform at professional level. "He has shown in a short space of time that he is a player with so much potential, especially around his ball-carrying ability. For a young player, he also has a strong mentality which has allowed him to settle in quickly.