Ulster confirm signing of Irish-qualified New Zealand-born out-half Aidan Morgan

The 22-year-old qualifies to play for Ireland through his Belfast-born grandfather. 

Hurricanes' Aidan Morgan is tackled by Moana Pasifika’s Henry Taefu during the 2023 Super Rugby season. Picture: ©INPHO/Photosport/Marty Melville

Ulster have announced the signing of out-half Aidan Morgan from New Zealand Super Rugby side Hurricanes. The 22-year-old joins on a deal which will keep him at Ravenhill until least the end of the 2026 season. 

The Auckland-born Morgan, who has represented New Zealand at U20 level, qualifies to play for Ireland through his Belfast-born grandfather. He has played 23 times for the Hurricanes over the past two seasons. 

"I'm really looking forward to making the move to Belfast this summer, and getting the opportunity to represent Ulster and the birthplace of my grandfather," the player said.

"I know that Ulster is steeped in history, and I'm looking forward to being a part of the atmosphere at Kingspan Stadium. I'm really excited for the opportunity to be a part of a talented team, and to play in front of the club’s passionate supporters.

"It's a great time to be joining Ulster. I'm excited to play alongside a very skilful squad under Richie and the coaching team’s vision for the future."

With Billy Burns departing to join Munster, Ulster were on the hunt for an out-half. 

“As part of our recruitment process, we explored a number of options around what would work best for the club in terms of our short-term needs versus our longer-term, wider ambitions as a club for the years ahead," said Ulster's head of operations and recruitment Bryn Cunningham.

“While Aidan will bring a mix of youth, competitiveness and high energy - key qualities that directly align to our strategic objectives over the coming years - he also, importantly as a 10, exudes a maturity beyond his years. Being Irish-Qualified with roots to Ulster is undoubtedly an added bonus.

“I’m looking forward to Aidan continuing to develop and grow with this talented squad under the leadership of Richie, and I am confident that he will make the province proud as one of the Ulster men.”