ULSTER HAVE ANNOUNCED first senior contracts for three of their academy players. 

Eric O’Sullivan, Michael Lowry and James Hume — all affiliated with Banbridge RF — have signed deals with the province. 

23-year-old loosehead prop O’Sullivan has made 19 appearances for Ulster this season, following his debut in the Pro14 opener against Scarlets. 

Lowry, 20, made his bow against Munster in September and has featured a total of 11 times so far  — scoring his first try against Dragons in October. 

Centre Hume, also 20, has nine appearances to show for himself this term.

“It’s been a great couple of years for me,” said O’Sullivan. “It was a big change for me moving up from Dublin but I tried to take in all in my stride and joining a great club like Banbridge was a massive help for me in terms of my development.

“There’s a very exciting group of players coming through and we have a great coaching team in place so I think the future is looking very promising and I’m delighted to be staying on.”

Michael Lowry facing Leinster. Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

“I’m delighted to have signed my first senior contract — it’s an amazing feeling,” added Lowry. “I’m grateful to my coaches at Dromore minis, The Royal Belfast Academical Institution, Banbridge Rugby Club and in the Ulster Academy for helping me get to this point.

Hume was equally as pleased with the news, saying: “It’s been my dream to play for Ulster since I was a child so it’s amazing to be staying for another three years. I’ve really enjoyed my first team experience this season and I’m hoping to get even more opportunities in the years to come.