Ulster Rugby today confirmed that Callum Black and Michael McComish will join the squad in the summer, ahead of the start of the 2011-12 season.
Callum Black (25) is an Irish-qualified prop who is currently contracted with Championship side Worcester Warriors.
Born in the USA and raised in England where he attended Hartpury College, Black is Irish-qualified through his paternal grandfather who was originally from Belfast and has represented Ireland at U18, U19 and U21 levels. He joined the Worcester Academy straight from College and burst onto the senior scene towards the end of the 2008-09 season.
In all he has made 50 appearances in the front row for the club and has had loan spells at both Otley and Plymouth.
“This is a new and exciting challenge for me”commented Black.
“I’m at the stage in my career where I’m looking to really push on and I’m really looking forward to playing in the Magners League and Heineken Cup”
“I’ve watched Ulster this season and been very impressed with how the team is developing and I’m looking forward to being part of that.”
“My goal is to establish myself in the Ulster team and then try to force my way into the Ireland set up.”
Michael McComish will join Ulster from Connacht where he has played for the past two seasons. He is an accomplished Number 8 but can play anywhere in the back row.
A former development player within the Ulster Squad, he had spells with both Rotherham and Otley in England before joining Connacht ahead of the start of the 2009-10 season.
McComish attended Campbell College and went on to play a key role in the Ballymena team that won the All Ireland Division One league in 2004. The 27 year old has played for Ireland at U-21 level and has also represented the Ireland 7’s side.
Ulster’s Director of Rugby David Humphreys said;
“We’re delighted to announce that Callum and Michael will be joining us and strangthening our squad ahead of next season. he said
“Having spent the last few seasons with Connacht, Michael has gained a lot of Magners League experience while Callum has expereince from the Premiership, the Championship as well as the LV and Amlin Challenge Cup competitions and so will be a very useful addition to our front row.”
