Ulster Rugby 2023/24 leavers confirmed

Supporters will have the opportunity to say a fond farewell to the Senior Men’s players confirmed today by the club as this season’s leavers:

Luke Marshall (166 – retired)

Billy Burns (111)

Greg Jones (44)

Will Addison (41)

Angus Curtis (25 – retired)

Steven Kitshoff (14)

Dave Ewers (14)

James French (4)

Shea O’Brien (1)

On the players departing the province, Bryn Cunningham, Head of Rugby Operations and Recruitment, said:

“On behalf of everyone at Ulster Rugby, I would like to say thank-you to the players that will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

“Despite all being at various stages of their careers, with some having spent many years at the club and others at the start of their professional rugby, it is important to acknowledge the positive impact that each individual has made on the club, both on and off the pitch and in terms of their professionalism day in, day out.

“I would, however, like to give special mention to Lukey having been a proud servant of Ulster Rugby for the past fifteen years. He epitomises what it is to be one of the Ulster men, after starting out with Ballymena RFC and going on to represent his club, country and family at the highest level of the game. He is the template in terms of character for what pathway players should aspire to be.

“We look forward to joining with supporters on Saturday night to mark the contribution of this group and wish them the best for the future.”

Players will meet supporters, sign autographs, and pose for photos outside the players’ entrance at the back of the Grandstand, from approximately 15 minutes after full time on Saturday.

2023/24 Ulster Rugby Leavers

Luke Marshall (166 – retired)

The definition of what it means to be one of the Ulster men, Marshall has represented his home province for the last fifteen years, after being recruited into the Academy set-up. He made rapid strides to break into the Ulster and Ireland sides, and it wasn’t long before he was named the 2012-13 PRO12 Young Player of the Season. On the pitch, he is a combative, strong-running mid-fielder with great rugby intelligence – and off the field, he has played an important role in the Senior Men’s leadership group for some years.

Billy Burns (111)

Known for his creative kicking game, the fly half has been a regular for Ulster since he joined in 2018. A native of Bath, but Irish-Qualified through his paternal grandfather with seven Ireland caps to his name, Burns made his debut for Gloucester as a 17-year-old. He makes the move to Munster Rugby from next season.

Greg Jones (44)

Jones joined the Ulster Rugby Academy from UCD during the summer of 2017, having impressed with the Ireland U20s at the 2016 World Rugby U20 Championship. He went on to make his senior Ulster debut against Treviso in November of that year. He is known for his solid work rate in the back row.

Will Addison (41)

Joining Ulster in the summer of 2018, after a seven-year stint at Sale Sharks where he made over a 100 appearances, Addison went on to impress in the Ulster jersey at full-back and centre. However, in 2021, he sustained a long-term injury, which kept him out of action for two years. He is currently making-up for lost time, with recent impressive performances including a try-scoring performance in the recent home win over Benetton.

Angus Curtis (25)

After impressing with the Irish U20s, Curtis proved his trademark ability at both fly half and centre, after making his senior debut for Ulster in 2018. Sadly, the 25-year-old Zimbabwe native retired at the start of this year from professional rugby with immediate effect on medical advice.

Steven Kitshoff (14)

Kitshoff joined Ulster after winning his second Rugby World Cup in Paris with South Africa. Nicknamed ‘Spicy Plum’, the South African showcased his scrummaging skills in his performances for the province this season. Last month, it was confirmed that Kitshoff would return to DHL Stormers – the club he captained before arriving in Belfast.

Dave Ewers (14)

Capable of playing anywhere across the back row, Ewers came to Belfast for the 2023/24 season, after spending thirteen years with Exeter Chiefs in the English Premiership. Ulster fans have been able to enjoy his powerful carrying and defensive work-rate in the white jersey.

James French (4)

A tighthead prop who joined the province from Munster Rugby, French made his Ulster debut against Zebra Parma in the BKT United Rugby Championship. Multi-talented, the 25-year-old wore the green jersey at U20s level, and was also a former All-Ireland shotput champion.

Shea O’Brien (1)

O’Brien landed his chance of a professional contract with Ulster when he attracted attention playing AIL rugby for City of Armagh RFC. Last summer, the 24-year-old graduated from Queens University Belfast with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medicine, and went on to make his Ulster debut in the 20-19 festive victory last December over Interpro rival, Connacht Rugby, in front of a home crowd.