Robert Baloucoune, James McNabney, and Joe Hopes signed contract extensions with Ulster on October 28, 2026, committing their futures to the club until at least the summer of 2029.

Baloucoune anchors international talent after Six Nations success

The trio of new deals secures a vital mix of established international quality and emerging forward power.

Baloucoune arrives at his extension following a standout 2026 campaign. His performances in the Six Nations earned the 29-year-old wing the championship’s Rising Player award.

Management describes the wing as a Test-level player who has thrived after a consistent run of games over the last year.

McNabney returns from injury to earn national call-up

For back rower James McNabney, the long-term commitment follows a challenging recovery period. The 23-year-old returned to Ulster last month after spending a full year sidelined by a serious knee injury.

His new deal arrives just one week after he received a call-up to the Ireland squad.

General manager Rory Best said that everyone at the club was delighted to see James called up to the Ireland squad after the adversity he faced coming back from a long-term knee injury.

Hopes continues rapid rise through senior ranks

Joe Hopes also locked in his place at Ulster. The versatile forward, capable of playing both lock and back row, broke into the senior side last season.

Hopes previously earned the title of 2022 Ulster Schools’ player of the year and made his debut in 2023 at age 19. Most recently, he appeared as a substitute in a Challenge Cup victory over Zebre earlier this month.

Rory Best views three players as essential for Ulster

General manager Rory Best said the three players are essential to the club's long-term trajectory. While Baloucoune provides immediate international-grade impact on the wing, Best noted that McNabney and Hopes are still in the early phases of their professional careers but have already shown significant potential within the pack.

The club maintains full belief that the trio will remain essential components of the Ulster team in the coming years.