Ulster sign towering Zimbabwean Eli Snyman on two-year deal

Uncapped Benetton lock Eli Snyman has agreed to swap one URC club for another, after signing for Ulster on a two-year deal until the summer of 2028.

The 29-year-old Zimbabwean-born forward, who is a towering 2.01 metres tall and weighs 111kgs, represented Zimbabwe at age grade level before joining the Blue Bulls youth programme in South Africa. He would go on to play for the Bulls in Super Rugby and the Currie Cup before joining Benetton in 2019.

After an impressive spell with the Italian side, Snyman made a high profile move to English PREM side, Leicester Tigers, in 2021, playing in half of the league fixtures in the team’s 2022 Premiership title-winning campaign. During his time there, Snyman claimed his maiden try in senior pro rugby against Saracens.

He rejoined Benetton in 2023 and was sent off for the first and only time in his career against Edinburgh in his first season back in green and white.

Snyman has well over 100 games of experience under his belt and Rory Best is delighted with his first piece of transfer business two months into his new role as Ulster General Manager.

“We are delighted to have secured Eli’s signature for the next two years. He is a player with a really strong and unique physical profile and at 29 years of age is very much in the peak years of his career,” said the former Ireland and Ulster hooker.

“We have a number of talented young locks coming through who will really learn a lot from his leadership and experience he has gained over his career.

“I’m sure supporters will be as excited as I am to see the authority and commanding presence he will bring to our forward pack, as we look to challenge in both the URC and European competitions.”

Commenting on his impending move, Snyman said: “I’m delighted and extremely grateful to be joining Ulster Rugby this summer and I’m really looking forward to meeting my new teammates, the coaching staff and the Ulster supporters.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to join a side that’s been playing some of the most attractive rugby in the URC this season. Watching how the team has performed has made me really excited to be part of what’s being built here.

“In my conversations with Rory Best, he outlined a clear vision for the coming years and how my experience can add value to a very talented group of young Irish forwards.

“To the Ulster supporters, I can’t wait to meet you all very soon and become part of the Ulster Rugby family.”