New candidate for the Ireland No.10 jersey signs for Ulster

Ulster have beaten off competition from Irish rivals Munster to sign Harlequins fly-half Jamie Benson on a two-year deal.

Benson, who is Irish-qualified, will move to Belfast at the end of the 2025/26 season, having made 38 appearances for Quins since graduating from the club’s academy in summer 2021.

The former Cambridge University student is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury but is expected to return to fitness before the end of the current campaign.

The move to Ireland enables Benson to step out of the shadow of Marcus Smith, and he will now face a battle with Ulster mainstay Jack Murphy for the province’s No.10 jersey

“Harlequins is, and always will be, a special club to me,” he said.

“Since joining the academy aged 13, it has truly felt like home. I am incredibly grateful to the club and to all those who have helped me over these past 10 seasons.

“The decision to leave has not been one I have taken lightly. I have always been driven to consistently test myself to play at the highest level and to pursue the goal of playing international rugby. I feel I am at a critical point in my career and that now is the right time for me to move in order to pursue these personal ambitions.

“My full focus remains on finishing this season as strongly as possible and continuing to play at my best for this club, right until the very end of the season.

“I would like to sincerely thank all the Harlequins fans who have supported me, and the team, throughout my time here. I leave with lifelong memories and immense pride.”

Benson’s ambition to play Test rugby was one of the key reasons behind the move.

“It feels like a fantastic time to be joining Ulster Rugby. The team are playing an entertaining brand of rugby, which I am excited to be a part of,” he added.

“I have strong family connections to the province through my mum, who grew up in Belfast, and I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Ulster General Manager, Rory Best, says Benson brings versatility to the backline with his ability to play 10, 12 and 15

“We are delighted to be signing a player of Jamie’s quality as we build our squad ahead of next season,” said Best.

“He has shown a lot of potential for Harlequins, performing well when given the opportunity and making an impact at PREM level and in the Champions Cup.

“Jamie brings quality and competition to our fly-half depth, and has that added strength of bringing versatility to the backline at inside centre or full-back.

“At 23 years old, he joins us with his best years ahead of him and we can’t wait to welcome him to Ulster this summer.”