Robert Baloucoune, James Mc Nabney and Joe Hopes have signed contract extensions with Ulster, committing them until at least the summer of 2029. The Ireland wing Baloucoune, 29, secured fresh terms after a standout 2026 campaign that earned him the Six Nations Rising Player award. Back rower Mc Nabney, 23, inked his new deal a week after earning a call‑up to the Ireland squad, having returned to Ulster last month following a year‑long recovery from a serious knee injury.
Versatile forward Hopes, who can play lock or back row, also pledged his future after breaking into the senior side last season; the 2022 Ulster Schools’ player of the year debuted at 19 in 2023 and featured off the bench in this month’s Challenge Cup win over Zebre. “We are delighted to have secured the futures of Rob, James and Joe,” said general manager Rory Best. He highlighted Baloucoune’s Test‑level wing ability, praised James and Joe’s early‑career progress, and welcomed Mc Nabney’s Ireland selection after his injury comeback. Ulster expressed confidence the trio will remain key to the team in the coming years.
The extensions reinforce Ulster’s strategy of retaining home‑grown talent and building a nucleus for both domestic and international ambitions. With Baloucoune's pace and try‑scoring threat, Mc Nabney’s work‑rate in the pack, and Hopes' versatility, the province feels well‑placed for upcoming competitions. Fans and analysts anticipate that the 2029 horizon will see the trio elevate their performances, potentially influencing Ireland’s World Cup campaign.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing