Ulster have confirmed that they have acquired the services of Scotland and British & Irish Lions front-row Rory Sutherland, who is joining them on a short-term deal.
Sutherland will join the Northern Irish province after his former club, Worcester Warriors’ liquidation on Wednesday meant that all the Premiership club’s players’ contracts were terminated.
Experienced international
The 28-year-old has made 20 international appearances for Scotland and also played in two Tests for the Lions during their tour to South Africa in 2021.
Ulster head coach Dan McFarland is delighted that Sutherland, who also spent seven years at Edinburgh before joining Worcester last year, opted to join the United Rugby Championship outfit.
“Myself, Roddy Grant, Jonny Bell and Jonny Petrie have all worked with Rory at some point in his career and know he will add quality on the field and bring an invaluable level of experience and mindset that our young props can squeeze every drop out of,” he told Ulster’s official website..
“Having Rory’s level of competitiveness at scrum training is going to test and teach the very best we have, something as a scrum coach and former prop I have experienced first-hand and am now excited to be a part of.
“Whilst we are all looking forward to welcoming Rory to Ulster, we are also mindful of the very difficult situation many players and staff at Worcester Warriors find themselves in and we wish them the best for whatever the future holds.”
Sutherland is excited about joining Ulster’s ranks and keen to make an impact in his new surroundings.
“My thanks go out to everyone in the rugby community who has supported myself, and all those at Worcester, over the past while during what has been a heartbreaking time for players and staff alike,” he said.
“However, I’m looking forward to linking-up with Ulster, and getting stuck into the BKT URC and the many familiar faces and rivals that it will bring. The club is on a quest for silverware, and I’ll do all I can this season to play my part in that ambition.”
Ulster also revealed that “negotiations are at an advanced phase” with another unnamed “world-class” prop, who will join them next season on a three-year deal after the Rugby World Cup in France.
On the unnamed player and Sutherland’s recruitment McFarland said: “We have an exciting stable of young Irish-qualified props at Ulster, so to be able to support their development alongside some world class operators is great news for everyone associated with Ulster and Irish rugby.
Looking for improvement
“As a club that is intent on consistently competing for championships, we’re always looking to add to and improve our squad – this includes recruiting players to be a part of the Ulster Rugby family, but most importantly to support and drive the development of young players within our pathway.
“We look forward to welcoming Rory into the squad next week and making further announcements on our recruitment for next season very soon.”
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