Ulster name academy squad

Ulster Rugby have named the Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy players for the current season.

These players will be available for Ulster's Magners League games and will play for the Ulster Ravens in the British & Irish Cup.

Ulster Rugby's High Performance Director and Academy Manager, former Ulster and Ireland lock Gary Longwell said: "These players were selected on the basis that they have the potential to play professional rugby," he said.

"A number of factors including attitude, technical and tactical ability and fitness are considered. The inductees have impressed in the Ulster Under-20 interprovincial matches, which are viewed as a talent confirmation phase.

"There are no guarantees. Not every player within the Academy system will graduate to professional rugby.

"However, these young men are the cream of the crop, and the natural progression for them is from the Academy to a development contract with Ulster Rugby where they will be training full-time with the Ulster senior squad".

"Then on to a full professional contract. Selection for the Academy is a reward and an opportunity to press a claim for a senior Ulster shirt and contract.

2009/10 PHOENIX ULSTER RUGBY ACADEMY:

Ian Porter, Patrick McAllister, Chris Cochrane, Jamie Smith, James Sandford, Tommy Seymour, Nevin Spence, Jonny Shiels, Adam Macklin, Sean Dougall, Ricky Andrew, Luke Marshall, Niall Annett, James McKinney, Michael Allen, Michael Heaney, Conor Gaston, Paul Pritchard, John Burns.