Newry-born, Shea O’Brien, has put pen to paper on a one-year Development contract which will see him join up with the Ulstermen this summer.
The 22-year-old full-back, who claimed the Player of the Match award whilst helping the City of Armagh to secure victory in the Bank of Ireland Senior Cup in March 2020, is no stranger to awards having also been named the 2019/20 Ken Goodall Club Player of the Year in the Ulster Rugby Domestic Rugby Awards.
With an impressive skill set gained through his involvement in the club game at City of Armagh RFC from Minis level through to competing in the AIL, as well as being a talented GAA footballer, O’Brien will be joining the Senior Men’s set-up this coming pre-season, alongside completing his medical degree at Queens University Belfast.
O’Brien’s Development contract follows on from his starting role in Ulster’s Development Inter-Pro fixtures versus Leinster and Munster last season, as well as putting in a try-scoring performance against Connacht Eagles.
Head Coach, Dan McFarland said:
“Shea exemplifies a player who has taken a less traditional route to being involved in the professional set-up at Ulster. He impressed in our Development side last September, and I am excited for what he will bring to our squad next season as a result of being nurtured through club rugby in the province.”
Shea O’Brien added:
“I am delighted to have signed a Development contract with Ulster Rugby. The squad and coaching staff have already made me feel very welcome. The group are ambitious and I’m very excited and privileged to be a part of it. I hope to use this opportunity to learn more and develop myself as a rugby player.
“I’d like to extend a sincere thanks to everyone at City of Armagh Rugby Club for the continued support they have given me in my journey from the Mini setup, through the youth system, and into Senior rugby. I have worked with some great coaches and players along the way, and I will be forever grateful for this.”
