Rugby: Trio commit their futures to Ulster
James Hume, Tom O’Toole and Sean Reffell are set to remain with Ulster for the coming years.
After captaining his home province to a bonus-point win at the Kingspan on Saturday night, 25-year-old Hume will stay until at least June 2027.
A former three-time Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup winner with RBAI, the centre has already secured 90 caps for Ulster, after coming through the province’s player pathway.
Hume has racked up accolades including Ulster Player of the Year and Rugby Writers’ Player of the Year, and earned a spot in the BKT United Rugby Championship Dream Team.
“I’m delighted to extend my future here at Ulster," said Hume.
"I love and care about this club, so I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
O’Toole, 25, who is currently in camp with Andy Farrell’s Six Nations Ireland squad, has also committed his future to Ulster with a new three-year deal.
Having joined the Ulster Rugby Academy in 2017, after playing the latter part of his schools’ rugby at Campbell College, the prop has since impressed at both club and international level, with 98 Ulster caps to his name since making his debut in 2018 against Edinburgh.
O’Toole can also count involvement in Ireland’s latest Rugby World Cup campaign amongst his recent achievements.
Speaking on his contract news, O’Toole, said: “I’m delighted to be continuing my journey with Ulster. We have a great playing group and management. It will be an honour to contribute in part to the club’s future going forward as we enter a new chapter.”
Meanwhile, Irish-qualified flanker Reffell will continue to pull on the Ulster jersey for at least another two years.
With his first start for the club seeing him make a record-breaking 39 tackles against Munster, the 25-year-old will be looking to continue making a name for himself after his time at the province so far has been disrupted by injury.
The former Saracens’ Young Player of the Year is looking forward to remaining at Ulster:
“I’m really pleased to be continuing my journey with Ulster. It’s a really tight group of lads, both on and off the pitch, with a fierce competitive nature around the club, which I love being a part of. I’m excited to see where we can go.”
On securing the squad for the 2024/25 season, and beyond, Ulster Rugby Head of Rugby Operations and Recruitment, Bryn Cunningham, added: “While there will be some change in the look and size of the overall squad, we’re confident about what we’re building for the upcoming seasons, with these three players showcasing our direction of travel as a province.
“James exemplifies the pipeline of homegrown players being developed through our provincial club and schools’ pathway that are going on to represent Ulster at the highest level. He has relished becoming a key leader within the squad and will have a big part to play in Ulster’s plans moving forward.
"With Tom, his progression as a tight-head prop is on show through his continued Ireland involvement, and the performances he delivers in the white of Ulster. The exciting thing for the supporters is that his best years are still ahead of him.
“Although unfortunate with a couple of injuries, the impact Sean has made in the games he has played has been off the charts in terms of energy and involvements. I’m really looking forward to his continued impact over the coming seasons.”