Overview
- Ulster confirmed 18-year-olds Paddy Woods and Rynard Gordon have joined as first-year academy players.
- Woods is a Perth-born lock who attended Campbell College Belfast, played for Ulster U19s and Western Force U19s, and features for Queens University Belfast in the All‑Ireland League 1B; he qualifies through family from Newtownards and Bangor.
- Gordon is a Cape Town-born back capable of playing in the centres or back three who came through Bishops, completed a recent Ulster trial, and has already featured for Ulster U19s; he qualifies through family from Belfast.
- Academy manager Gavin Hogg welcomed both as promising prospects and said the programme aims to develop them for the future.
- The signings arrive as Ireland’s talent pipeline faces scrutiny after the France defeat, with South African reaction noting a trend that also includes former SA U18 flanker Josh Neill joining Leinster’s academy in 2025.