Ulster Rugby To Bid Farewell To Nine Players At The End Of The Season

Ulster Rugby bids farewell to nine players, including Dave Ewers, at their Saturday match against Leinster at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.

May 15, 2024 by Philip Bendon

Ulster Rugby To Bid Farewell To Nine Players At The End Of The Season

Ulster Rugby will bid farewell to nine players during Saturday's United Rugby Championship home match against Leinster.

Among the departing players is former Exeter Chiefs star Dave Ewers. The 33-year-old, once tipped for England selection under Eddie Jones, joined Ulster last summer following a significant reshuffle at Exeter.

Ewers signed a one-year contract with Ulster under coach Dan McFarland. However, with Richie Murphy now confirmed as Ulster's new head coach on a two-year deal, Ewers will leave the Kingspan Stadium at the end of this season.

Also departing is Springboks prop Steven Kitshoff, who will return to the Stormers.

Other notable exits include fly-half Billy Burns, who is moving to Munster, and the retirements of Luke Marshall and Angus Curtis.

The official list includes former Ireland fullback Will Addison and back-rower Greg Jones, who played for Ireland's age-grade team in the 2016 Junior World Championship.

Ulster Rugby released a statement:

"At this Saturday’s interpro fixture versus Leinster, the club will thank the nine players, with a combined 420 caps of service, departing the province at the end of this season. Supporters will have the opportunity to say a fond farewell to the senior men’s players confirmed today by the club as this season’s leavers.”

May 18

2024 Ulster Rugby vs Leinster Rugby

The complete list of departing players includes:

Luke Marshall (166 caps – retired)

Billy Burns (111 caps)

Greg Jones (44 caps)

Will Addison (41 caps)

Angus Curtis (25 caps – retired)

Steven Kitshoff (14 caps)

Dave Ewers (14 caps)

James French (4 caps)

Shea O’Brien (1 cap)

Bryn Cunningham, Ulster's Head of Rugby Operations and Recruitment, expressed gratitude to the departing players:

“On behalf of everyone at Ulster, I would like to say thank you to the players that will be leaving the club at the end of the season. Despite all being at various stages of their careers, it is important to acknowledge the positive impact that each individual has made on the club, both on and off the pitch.”

Cunningham gave special mention to Luke Marshall, highlighting his 15-year commitment to the club:

“Luke epitomizes what it is to be one of the Ulster men. He is the template in terms of character for what pathway players should aspire to be.”

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