There will be no Ulster representation in the Ireland team once more after Andy Farrell confirmed his squad for the first match in their two-game series against World champions Springboks in Pretoria on Saturday.

Andy Farrell’s men take on the World champions in the first of a two-game series on Saturday

Nine players, including Will Addison, will depart Ulster at the end of the current campaign.

The 31-year-old joined the team in 2018 after leaving the Sale Sharks, and during his tenure, he has made 41 appearances for the team despite missing many extended periods due to injury.

Fifteen of those forty-one games have occurred this season, with three of those games being starts.

He was eligible for Ireland thanks to his mother, and from 2018 to 2021, he received five caps for the team.

Luke Marshall, the longest-serving member of the team, and fellow centre Angus Curtis had already announced their retirements. Fly-half Billy Burns and Springbok World Cup champion Steven Kitshoff had also announced their exits.

Along with Kitshoff, Dave Ewers, a former back row player for the Exeter Chiefs, will only play one season in Belfast. Other departing players include Greg Jones, James French, and Shea O’Brien.

Head of rugby operations and recruitment Bryn Cunningham said, “I would like to say thank you to the players that will be leaving the club at the end of the season on behalf of everyone at Ulster Rugby.”

“It is important to acknowledge the positive impact that each individual has made on the club, both on and off the pitch and in terms of their professionalism day in and day out, despite the fact that they are all at different stages of their careers, with some having spent many years at the club and others at the start of their professional rugby careers.”

This Saturday, Ulster plays their last home game of the United Rugby Championship [URC] season against Leinster at Kingspan Stadium.

George Saunderson, a 22-year-old Academy player, has announced his immediate retirement from Ulster Rugby, citing “medical advice” in the wake of “concussions sustained this season.” Saunderson, a prop at the Ulster Rugby Academy, was chosen for Ireland’s U20 Six Nations team in 2021, and his talent was immediately apparent as he made three appearances and scored a try against Italy.

Saunderson’s early retirement will undoubtedly continue to fuel the current discussion in Rugby Union over concussion regulations and player safety. Saunderson’s forced retirement at the age of 22 due to “medical advice” raises concerns for the sport.

Ulster Rugby confirmed this morning that Academy player George Saunderson would be retiring immediately “on medical advice” in a news release. The press release stated, “Following concussions sustained this season, the talented forward has been advised that he should retire from rugby.”

Although it was “a tough decision to make,” the 22-year-old claimed that it was in his best interests in the long run. “Representing Ireland at the U20 Six Nations was a proud moment for me and I’ll cherish those memories,” Saunderson said in his statement. He also thanked his parents and relatives, as well as his teammates, coaches, and staff for helping him grow over the years.

“I’ll be supporting the guys and wishing Ulster everyone the best of luck in the future.”

Manager of the Ulster Rugby Academy Gavin Hogg expressed his regret that Saunderson’s playing days were coming to an end and mentioned how much the team will miss him.

“During George’s three years in the Academy, we have seen him develop into a self-motivated individual with excellent leadership abilities. We are confident that these qualities will carry over into his future activities and help him succeed in whatever he decides to pursue.”

Though unhappy that the Ulster prop will not be able to capitalise on his obvious ability, Hogg feels that Saunderson “had the potential to make in impact in the Senior Men’s side in the future”.

The news is devastating for Ulster Rugby, as the Ulstermen have had a mixed season and will now be without a promising young player. The club’s future is clearly in the hands of new head coach Richie Murphy, who will prioritise young development. This makes Saunderson’s resignation all the worse.