Ulster sign Irish-born scrumhalf from Western Force

Ulster have announced the signing of Irish qualified scrumhalf Michael McDonald from Super Rugby side the Western Force.

The 23-year-old, who was born in Louth before moving to Australia with family aged 13, has penned a one-year deal at the province. McDonald joins John Cooney, Nathan Doak and Dave Shanahan as the scrumhalves in Ulster’s senior squad.

He has represented Australia at underage level, playing in the squad that reached the Junior World Cup final in 2019 and also spent time with the Sydney-based Waratahs.

playing in the southern hemisphere, and he will fit in well with the style of rugby we want to play at Ulster, as he continues to hone his skills in the months ahead.

What has David Nucifora ever done for Irish rugby?

---

Nicky English: We could be in for a high-scoring free-for-all with Cork v Tipperary

---

Irish Olympian Jack Woolley: ‘We’ve sat in saunas and not drank water for two days’

---

It’s raining metaphors at Manchester United amid soggy aftermath of underinvestment

---

“Michael is a promising young half-back who has cut his teeth playing in the southern hemisphere, and he will fit in well with the style of rugby we want to play at Ulster, as he continues to hone his skills in the months ahead,” said head coach Dan McFarland on the move.

“We look forward to welcoming Michael to the club as preparations for the new season get underway.”

On signing with Ulster, McDonald, said: “I’m really excited about the opportunity to be joining Ulster. It’s always been a goal of mine to get back to Ireland and experience rugby in the northern hemisphere at a professional level. I’m extremely grateful, and I look forward to having a go.”