John Cooney to leave Ulster for Brive at the end of the season

John Cooney joined Ulster from Connacht in 2017 and has gone on to score over 1,000 points for the province.

ON THE MOVE: John Cooney will leave Ulster at the end of the season and join French side Brive. Pic: Shaun Roy/Sportsfile

Ulster scrum half John Cooney is to leave the province at the end of the season for French club Brive.

Cooney joined Ulster in the summer of 2017 from Connacht where he was part of the 2016 Pro12 winning team. Cooney started his career with Leinster making 27 appearances and won two European titles.

The 34-year-old quickly became a fan favourite with his performances and match winning goal kicking.

Cooney scored over 1,000 points for the Ulster men and was named in the URC Team of the Year five teams and nominated for the EPCR European Player of the Year in 2020.

During his time at Ulster, Cooney was capped 11 by Ireland. 

Cooney thanked Ulster and their supporters for the opportunity they gave him during his eight years at the province.

☘️🇮🇪 Aujourd'hui c'est la #SaintPatrick

En cette journée spéciale, un nouvel Irlandais débarque en Corrèze dès la saison prochaine 🖊️⚫️⚪️

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 !

📃 https://t.co/gm1SLSEOfV pic.twitter.com/dMl2R0zZ8g

— CA Brive Rugby (@CABCLRUGBY) March 17, 2025

“First and foremost, I would like to thank the Ulster fans for their incredible support over the years and for accepting me as one of their own.

“Secondly, I’d like to thank Ulster Rugby for taking a punt on me and giving me the opportunity to represent this amazing province.

“Playing for Ulster has always been an absolute privilege for me, and I have never taken for granted how much this club means to so many people.

“There is no better feeling in the world than coming out to the fans singing ‘Stand up for the Ulstermen’.

“And I will always be an Ulsterman!”

Speaking on his departure Head Coach Richie Murphy wished Cooney well in his next chapter. 

“Everybody at Ulster Rugby wishes John all the very best with his next adventure.

"John is a big personality in the team and we will miss having him in the building. He drives the highest standards of himself and those around him, and I know he will continue that for the remainder of the season.

"He has built up a special connection with the supporters here through his passion and commitment to the jersey, and he will always be warmly welcomed in his adopted province.”