Prop Bryan O’Connor says he feels he can add to Ulster’s front row options after signing with the province until the end of the season.
The 25-year-old, who hails from Cork, signs after spending last season in the Championship with Bedford Blues and has already linked up with his new side and could be involved against Connacht this weekend.
Ulster had been on the lookout for a new tighthead after the retirement of Marty Moore two weeks ago and in O’Connor they have found a fairly experienced option to add to their ranks.
A Munster Academy graduate and a member of Ireland’s Under-20 World Championship squad in 2018, O’Connor had a two-and-a-half-year spell for Gloucester in the Premiership after leaving his native province in 2021.
He made 11 appearances for the Cherries before joining Bedford last season where he thoroughly impressed, being involved on 22 occasions for the Championship side and attracting interest from the likes of Saracens and Northampton Saints.
But Ulster have swooped first to bring the tighthead in and he will add further depth to a young front row spearheaded by Tom O’Toole, who has been ably supported by Corrie Barrett and Emerging Ireland international Scott Wilson.
“I’m delighted to sign with the province and I’m looking forward to getting integrated into the squad,” commented O’Connor. “I feel I can add to the group here and can improve my game under the coaching staff. I’m excited to get going for the rest of the season.”
Ulster Rugby’s head of recruitment and rugby operations Bryn Cunningham added: “Bryan has had a few years playing over in England and we feel, with his physical profile, there was an opportunity to bring him in and add to our squad depth at tighthead.
“Bryan joins a front row with a similar age profile and we look forward to seeing his development and contribution over the season ahead.”