Ulster bolster front-row reserves with two prop signings

Ulster have signed props Sam Crean and Rory McGuire ahead of next season.

Former England U20 loosehead Crean, 24, will join the club on a permanent basis from Saracens having represented the province on a short-term basis earlier this season as injury cover, making two appearances.

Leinster academy product McGuire, 24, will make the move north at the end of the season having made eight appearances for the Dublin outfit.

Ulster have already announced the departures of props Andrew Warwick and Corrie Barrett at the end of the season, so the loosehead – tighthead duo will help maintain depth in the front-row.

“We are delighted to be bringing in both Rory and Sam this summer,” said Ulster general manager Bryn Cunningham. “Both are talented props at good age profiles to develop as players and add competition to our squad.

“Rory is a big, physical tighthead prop who will be pushing hard for his opportunity to play more senior rugby.

“Richie knows him well from Ireland U20s and we think he is an exciting prospect, who is eager to kick on under Jimmy Duffy.

“Sam, after a brief stint earlier this season on loan during which he really impressed the coaches, can hopefully hit the ground running and really challenge both Eric and Callum for the number one jersey.”