MUNSTER HOOKER DECLAN Moore has joined Ulster as short-term injury cover.
Moore was born in New Zealand, grew up in Australia and is Irish-qualified. He has been drafted in as cover with Tom Stewart and Bradley Roberts both ruled out through injury.
25-year-old Moore played in Munster’s improbable Champions Cup victory over Wasps earlier this month, and has been playing AIL with Shannon.
“I would also to welcome Declan to the squad who, over the next while, will provide us with useful depth at hooker following a number of recent injuries in that position”, said Ulster Head Coach Dan McFarland.
Ulster have also promoted 20-year-old Ben Moxham to a development contract for the rest of the season. Moxham has played eight times for the province, and his preferred position is either at centre or on the wing. He has represented Ireland at U20 and Sevens level.
“Ben is a great example of an Ulster born and bred player who has progressed through our player pathway”, said McFarland.
“His recent development under Gavin Hogg and his Academy coaching team, as well as the experience he has gained through both the school and club game, is paying dividends – and his new contract is testimony to his hard work and physicality on the field.”
An unusual call, Leinster have 4 international no.2’s , surely one of them need game times
@Patrick O Connell: who you thinking, Tracey? Cronin is winding down the career I would say. Suits someone eager to get stuck in and get exposure. Tracey is 30, and a proven entity but although an international I’m not sure we’ll see him in the green again unless there’s a lot of injuries at 2. But the 25yr old they went for is probably going to benefit from this more than Tracey, I would think. Maybe not, just my thoughts on it. As for Sheehan and Kelleher there’s not a hope Leinster are letting either of those go, they’ve been sharing matches between them, plenty of exposure.
@Patrick O Connell: I know ya, the man wouldn’t hit a barn door with a shotgun. Thank god he’s out of munster for now!!
@Michael Oats: Sad to see you running down one of your own players. A young player that needs encouragement and no cynical comments.
@Trevor Johnston: 25 wouldn’t be considered young in rugby terms. He was signed because he is Irish qualified but hasn’t played higher than AIL standard in his entire career. Very odd signing from Munster in the first place. Hopefully he plugs the gap for Ulster and carves out a nice pro career for himself but I can’t see it being at any of the Irish teams