Ulster Secures Winger Zac Ward with Three-Year Contract

Winger Zac Ward has committed to Ulster with a three-year contract, securing his presence at the club until 2028. The 26-year-old initially joined Ulster on a trial basis, having made a strong impression with the Ireland Sevens team at the Paris Olympics during the summer. Ward, whose father Andy was a European Cup winner with Ulster in 1999, recently played his first game for the province in their Champions Cup loss to Bordeaux last week. Ward, who has maintained his position in the starting lineup for Friday’s United Rugby Championship match against Munster, stated: “After the summer Olympics in Paris, I was ready for a change after some amazing experiences with the Ireland Sevens programme.” He further commented: “I always dreamed of playing for my home province as a boy, as I watched my dad play in an Ulster jersey growing up.” Ward, whose younger brother Bryn is a member of Ulster’s academy, also remarked: “I’m also mates with a few of the guys who were already in the side and the others were fantastic in welcoming me into the set-up.” He concluded by saying: “With the help of the coaches, players and staff here, I want to kick on and hopefully make plenty of good memories playing for Ulster.” Ulster general manager Bryn Cunningham commented: “We identified Zac as somebody who could be a good addition to the Senior squad, and we have been impressed with how he has settled into the group.” Cunningham added: “Watching his performances in the Sevens game, we felt that he showcased a number of transferable skills for the XVs game, with his strengths in ball-carrying, his speed, aerial skills, and try-scoring ability all strong attributes for playing in the backfield.” He further stated: “It’s also a great example of someone who hasn’t come through the traditional route into the senior men’s side, so credit to Zac and the journey he has been on.”