ULSTER HAS ANNOUNCED that long-serving lock Kieran Treadwell is to depart the province and rejoin Harlequins at the end of the season.
The 29-year-old first joined Ulster in 2016 after showing potential with the Ireland U18s and England U20s.
The Irish-qualified second row earn 11 caps for Ireland, and was part of the 2022 tour of New Zealand. He was also a member of the 2023 Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam winning side.
Treadwell has made 170 appearances for Ulster.
“I arrived in Belfast eight years ago as a 20-year-old with a chance to represent Ulster and a dream of playing international rugby,” Treadwell said after the move was announced. “I never knew when I arrived how much playing for Ulster would mean to me and how much I would love living here.
“I leave as a man who has represented the province over 170 times and fulfilled my ambition of playing international rugby.
“I met and married my wife Beth in Belfast and made a home here that we look forward to returning to in the future.
“I’ve made friends for life here and had so many amazing experiences on and off the field. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone within Ulster Rugby and the wider community for the time I have had here.
“I leave with immense pride and fond memories of my experiences.
“Thank you, Kieran.”
As rumoured. Nice guy and a good servant. Still had a year on his contract so Quins ought to be paying something for him. A huge NIQ lock to replace him would be nice.
@Justin Robinson: Or has he already been replaced on the cheap with Matthew Dalton…?
@Justin Robinson: think you’re right. Given financial situation, I think an NIQ 9 would be more appropriate if Cooney is gone at end of season.
Augustus looks good for back row next year, and we are actually quite well served in second row with Sheridan/Izzy/AOC/ Hendy and Dalton if required
@Justin Robinson: I was thinking NIQ lock but with Humph seemingly softening on the NIQ Frontrows a NIQ TH, would be needed most out of all the provinces.
@Si: I guess we could get by at lock (although I’d much prefer Izzy at 6 and AOC is out of contract at the end of the season) but unless Hendy suddenly turns into Benjamin Button we’re certainly not strong there. We’re also short of a proper 15. Oh for a Payne, Ludik or Addison. It’ll be great to see Big Stu, JS and JH back out on the paddock against the Reds though.
@Kingshu: Maybe a big TH lock would help TOT and young Wilson? Corrie looked deadly from a foot out against Zebre!
@Justin Robinson: RG Snymans contact is up at Leinster, must be our turn for him now?
@Kingshu: Connacht will get their go before Ulster.
@Justin Robinson: I’d rather Slimani