Ulster sign experienced lock Eli Synman on two-year deal 

After an impressive spell with the Benetton, Snyman made the move to English PREM side Leicester Tigers in 2021, where he played a key role in the team’s 2022 Premiership title-winning campaign, before rejoining the Italians in 2023.

Benetton's Eli Snyman. Pic: Luca Sighinolfi/Inpho

Ulster have announced the signing of experienced lock Eli Snyman on a two-year deal.

The 29-year-old Zimbabwean-born forward will join Ulster this summer, after his second stint with Italian outfit Benetton.

Six-foot-seven second row represented Zimbabwe at age grade level before joining the Blue Bulls youth programme in South Africa. 

Snyman would go on to play for the Bulls in Super Rugby and the Currie Cup before joining Benetton in 2019.

After an impressive spell with the Italian side, Snyman made the move to English PREM side Leicester Tigers in 2021, where he played a key role in the team’s 2022 Premiership title-winning campaign, before rejoining Benetton in 2023.

“We are delighted to have secured Eli’s signature for the next two years," said General Manager Rory Best. "He is a player with a really strong and unique physical profile and at 29 years of age is very much in the peak years of his career.

"We have a number of talented young locks coming through who will really learn a lot from his leadership and experience he has gained over his career.

"I’m sure supporters will be as excited as I am to see the authority and commanding presence he will bring to our forward pack, as we look to challenge in both the URC and European competitions.” 

Added Snyman: “I’m delighted and extremely grateful to be joining Ulster Rugby this summer and I’m really looking forward to meeting my new teammates, the coaching staff and the Ulster supporters.

"It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to join a side that’s been playing some of the most attractive rugby in the URC this season. Watching how the team has performed has made me really excited to be part of what’s being built here.

"In my conversations with Rory Best, he outlined a clear vision for the coming years and how my experience can add value to a very talented group of young Irish forwards.

"To the Ulster supporters, I can’t wait to meet you all very soon and become part of the Ulster Rugby family."