Any word on the Academy?

[Deckard]

Lot of thinking, little knowing.

Is Jackson living on thin air to train all week with the seniors? McCall was on a development contract this season just past and if Simpson didn't get a development deal last season (he was meant to) he will be on one for the incoming season.

Jackson has never been mentioned in any official squad list, either full or academy. If he's training with the seniors, he may turn up on a development contract next season, or some kind of late-entry academy deal.

Kyle McCall went into the academy in the '10-'11 season, and was still listed as being on an academy contract last season - if he's still in the academy this season, it would actually be year 5 for him. I suppose his stay may be extended because of his positional change, if that's for definite - or he may be bumped to a development contract this season. He is still only 22, so a babe for a front row.

[Kofi Annan]

I thought somebody had to play for ulster before getting 'an in fairness to'?

I have nothing against Trenier but the idea of signing up Leinster players at the expense of our own, especially when the local is at the very least a similar level, doesn't sit overly well with me personally.

in fairness to you, that's a good point! I was very impressed by Taylor last year as well, and find it a bit surprising that he seems to have gone off the radar - where has he been playing his club rugby? That said, I don't have a big problem with casting the net wide for talent - we have definitely had a problem over the last couple of years getting guys up to the right level, fixing that will likely take another year or two, in the meantime I think we need to play smart..

Is Taylor not going to America/Canada ?

[Bayern]

Taylor played for Ballynahinch last season, heard he is off as Ulster refused to offer him an academy contract

[Dan Dare]

One of the players that folk will be surprised about this year is Sam Arnold. He has not been in lots of newspapers as he has been injured for most of this year, but he is a very exciting young talent who has played for Harlequins first team in their JP Morgans 7's competition. i think he is here to join our academy.

[Bayern]

Sub-Academy as far as i know.. similar to Dow and Taggart this year..

he is centre though and Ulster have so many of them not sure how much of an impact he will make..

Stockdale and Owens are more exciting/talented players..

[Bayern]

still hopeful Russell Blair after a season healthy can push into the academy in the future.. still only 20 but missed most of last season with a leg break.. fingers crossed

[Nightsoil]

added to some exiles joining Ulster or who are already here:
Fullback/Wing: David Busby

Portadown College, no?

[dublane]

added to some exiles joining Ulster or who are already here:
Fullback/Wing: David Busby

Portadown College, no?

yes

[Dan Dare]

and Queens.........

[drumbo diehard]

Anyone read the "intouch" article about the number of players in the ulster academy or lack of them with reference to the other provinces?

[Kofi Annan]

Anyone read the "intouch" article about the number of players in the ulster academy or lack of them with reference to the other provinces?

Drumbo,, if yer gonna tease us at least post a link

[Dan Dare]

http://www.intouchrugby.com/magazine/ul ... omparison/

I think that Drumbo means this one......

[RuPi]

Sam Arnold could be a very astute signing ahead of the other provinces, highlights of him here from a season ago-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUTDf-OcHdU

I believe Conor Joyce's younger brother is moving over as well. Piers Browning an exile winger is over for the 20's inter pro's unsure if he is staying. Kyle McCall is on a full contract next year as 3rd choice hooker.

[Kofi Annan]

Sam Arnold could be a very astute signing ahead of the other provinces, highlights of him here from a season ago-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUTDf-OcHdU

I believe Conor Joyce's younger brother is moving over as well. Piers Browning an exile winger is over for the 20's inter pro's unsure if he is staying. Kyle McCall is on a full contract next year as 3rd choice hooker.

Bit arsey making your own video of how great you are.

[Dan Dare]

Bit arsey and cocky for sure but loads of lads do it, he is a good player though, a very good player.