Ulster confirm Ireland international Addison and eight others to depart squad

Dave Ewers will also depart after just a season with the province. 

Greg Jones, right, and Will Addison of Ulster celebrate after the URC victory against Benetton at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Ireland international Will Addison has been confirmed as one of nine players who will leave Ulster at the end of the season. 

The 31-year-old utility back joined the province in 2018 after seven years with Sale. Due to injuries, he made just 41 appearances. Addison, who won five caps between 2018 and 2021, qualified to play for Ireland through his Fermanagh-born mother.

Zimbabwean backrow Dave Ewers, who moved to Ravenhill after 13 years with Exeter, is also departing after just one season in which he made 14 appearances. 

“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," said Ulster's head of operations Bryn Cunningham.

It was announced last month that Luke Marshall, holder of 11 caps for Ireland, will retire at the end of the season.

“I would, however, like to give special mention to Lukey having been a proud servant of Ulster Rugby for the past fifteen years," said Cunningham.

"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."

Departing Ulster players

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).