Ulster has confirmed the contract extensions of James Hume, Tom O’Toole, and Sean Reffell lately. O’Toole, currently part of Ireland’s Six Nations squad, has committed to a three-year deal that would see him in Belfast till 2027. Despite reported interest from Leinster, his home province, no formal offer seems to have materialised.
The 25-year-old tighthead prop, who relocated to Australia early in life before joining Campbell College during his teens, has been with Ulster since his academy admission in 2017. Currently, O’Toole is striving for a spot as Tadhg Furlong’s backup with Finlay Bealham and Oli Jager also in the running, ahead of Ireland’s Six Nations face-off against England at Twickenham. A potential repositioning to loosehead prop has been deliberated but is not imminent.
With Cian Healy, aged 36, the second pick for loosehead behind Andrew Porter, Ireland’s scrum lacks depth on that side. Conversely, Ulster boasts Steven Kitshoff as their preferred loosehead, the South African World Cup winner having a contract until 2026.
Hume, an outside centre, has also signed a similar three-year contract extension, having commanded the province for the initial time in their most recent triumph against Dragons. Since making his senior debut in 2018, the three-time Ireland capped 25-year-old has been part of the Ulster squad.
Reffell, a back-row player, similarly extended his contract having joined Ulster in 2022. His first season was hindered by injuries, restricting him to just three matches, but he became a regular this season with his prolific defensive work generally attracting praise.
Ulster’s following match is scheduled for March 23rd, where it will face Sharks in Durban in the URC. This match will see Richie Murphy debut as interim head coach, succeeding Dan McFarland post the U20 Six Nations.
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