Ulster have re-signed a large cohort of senior players, including four Ireland internationals, on fresh long-term contracts, while Cardiff have moved to secure the services of a Welsh-qualified forward. 

Here are all the latest rugby rumours, transfers and contract renewals.

Ireland quarter among five Ulster re-signings

Ulster have secured the long-term futures of quintet James Hume, Ethan McIlroy, Tom O’Toole, Jacob Stockdale and Nick Timoney, with all five re-signing until at least 2030.

The senior players all came through the youth ranks at the Belfast-based outfit, and have gone onto become key figures in the senior squad in recent years with a combined tally of 650 appearances.

Of the quintet, Hume, O’Toole, Stockdale and Timoney have also won senior Test caps for Ireland while McIlroy has been drafted into the Ireland XV squad for their upcoming November fixtures.

Commenting on their re-signings, Ulster general manager, Rory Best, said: “We are very pleased to have secured the futures of James, Ethan, Tom, Jacob and Nick for the next three seasons.

“All five play an important role in our senior squad with their consistency in performance and experience. They are an integral part of our team, and I know all five are extremely ambitious in their goals for the future.

“One thing that all these guys have shown – they are all remarkably resilient. Each of them has experienced ups and downs but have shown the mentality to bounce back and work hard.

“They are great ambassadors for Ulster Rugby and play with a commitment and passion that all of our supporters can resonate with.”

Cardiff tie down Welsh-qualified forward

Harlequins lock Jonny Green has made an immediate switch to URC outfit Cardiff, penning a long-term deal with the Welsh capital outfit.

The 22-year-old brings solid senior experience with him to his new employers, making 30 appearances for Harlequins since his debut in 2022, as well as 18 caps for Wales U20s. He has also spent time with both London Scottish and Chinnor in the English second tier.

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His move to Wales comes following confirmation that George Nott will retire from professional rugby in December.

Commenting on his switch, Green said: “I’m really excited to meet the boys and get stuck into training. Cardiff is such a historic club, they play a great brand of rugby and there is an exciting group of players. I also know the city well having progressed through the age-grade system.

“I played age-grade rugby with a lot of the boys and it is great to see the opportunities they are getting at the club. From watching the game on Saturday night at St Helen’s, there were a lot of young players making their mark in a really good performance.

“So, I am looking forward to moving down to Cardiff and contributing to the group. The main things I bring are physicality and work-rate, they are the two foundations I always review my performances against, so hopefully I can bring that to Cardiff.

“I am very grateful to Harlequins for the opportunities they have given me and I have loved my time there but I’m now looking forward to the next chapter in my career and kicking on at Cardiff.”

Cardiff head coach, Corniel van Zyl, added: “We were really impressed with Jonny and the way he presented himself when we met him.

“He’s a big, physical lock, standing over 6ft 7ins and there’s a nice weight to him, but the biggest thing is his rugby pedigree and his motivation.

“As with any young second-row there is stuff to work on but he has a huge appetite to improve. He has come through Harlequins academy, has played a good amount, and has been pushing for more minutes in a competitive squad.

“He can be a real asset for us in the future. We’re looking forward to welcoming him to the Arms Park, seeing him settle in, go out and perform. It’s always good to bring back Welsh-qualified players and we are excited to see what he can bring now and in the future.”