Irish-qualified ex-New Zealand U20 No.10 exits Ulster a year early

Ulster have confirmed that fly-half Aidan Morgan has left the club by mutual consent following the end of their United Rugby Championship campaign.

The 23-year-old former New Zealand U20 international moved to Belfast last summer from the Hurricanes on a two-year deal, but has struggled for game time in his first season in the northern hemisphere. Ulster Bryn Cunningham cited his limited opportunities as a reason for granting him early release.

The province have already announced their eight departures at the end of the season, but the Irish-qualified back has been added to the list.

Ulster finished their season with a 47-17 loss to Edinburgh on Friday night, which left them 14th in the league.

“I want to thank Ulster Rugby fans, the players and staff for the the part they have played in welcoming me in since joining last summer,” Morgan said after his departure was announced.

“I have enjoyed my time here in Belfast with Ulster, learning and growing as a player and a person.

“Thank you for the great memories and I wish everyone all the best for the future.”

Cunningham added: “Aidan has been the consummate professional during his time here, but as the season unfolded, with opportunities more limited, we have mutually agreed to an early release, which we very amicably believe is in the best interests of both parties.

“We thank Aidan for all his efforts over the past season and wish him and his partner all the very best for their next chapter.

“Going into the 2025/26 season, we will have three fully contracted fly-halves, between 21 and 26 years of age, all of which we need to continue to develop and get the very best out of in the seasons ahead.”