Ulster’s Player of the Year signs new deal while summer signings set for URC debuts

The back-row star has represented Ireland at U20s level and was included in the Emerging Ireland tour of 2022.

McCann said: "I'm delighted to sign a new deal with Ulster Rugby. I felt last season was a huge year for me personally, and I want to continue that into next season.

"I've worked hard on my game, felt I had some good form, and enjoyed being a regular in the team as we competed in the URC and Europe.

"We have a great blend of forwards here, and I love training and playing alongside them. My aim is to keep developing as a player and I'm excited about being part of this squad for the years to come."

On the news of the extension, Ulster Rugby's Head of Recruitment and Rugby Operations, Bryn Cunningham, said: "Dave has really come on as a player in the past twelve months. His significant physical development has been a big factor in many of his stand-out performances last season.

"He has very quickly established himself in our team and has become a vital cog in our squad, with his all-round game giving him the versatility to excel across the back-row positions.

"Dave is an extremely ambitious individual, who has a great desire to keep setting high standards for himself and those around him. He will continue to improve and build on his overall game. We are delighted to secure him beyond this season."

Meanwhile, Ulster boss Richie Murphy has handed competitive debuts to summer signings Aidan Morgan and Corrie Barrett in the United Rugby Championship curtain raiser against Glasgow.

Saturday night's game at Ravenhill will kick-off at 7.45pm, as Ulster look to make a winning start against the URC champions.

The front row sees Eric O'Sullivan start at loosehead prop, John Andrew at hooker and Barrett, at tighthead prop, while captain Iain Henderson, starts alongside Kieran Treadwell in the second row.

James McNabney gets the nod at blindside flanker where he is joined by last season's Player of the Year David McCann with Nick Timoney starts at number eight.

Scrum-half Nathan Doak, and fly-half Morgan line up together, with Jacob Stockdale and Mike Lowry on the wings.

Jude Postlethwaite, who was one of six Ulstermen named in the upcoming Emerging Ireland tour, starts at inside centre and is joined by Stewart Moore at outside centre, while Ethan McIlroy starts at full-back.

Murphy opts for a 5-3 split on the Ulster bench, with three players potentially in line for their debuts.

Two Development players, hooker, James McCormick, and fly-half, James Humphreys, are in contention for an appearance and new summer signing, Werner Kok, will also be hoping to make his debut in an Ulster jersey at Ravenhill.

Andrew Warwick, Tom O'Toole, Harry Sheridan and Cormac Izuchukwu provide the other forward replacements. Dave Shanahan provides cover at scrum-half on the bench.

(15-9) Ethan McIlroy, Mike Lowry, Stewart Moore, Jude Postlethwaite, Jacob Stockdale, Aidan Morgan, Nathan Doak;

(1-8) Eric O'Sullivan, John Andrew, Corrie Barrett, Iain Henderson (C), Kieran Treadwell, James McNabney, David McCann, Nick Timoney.

Replacements: James McCormick, Andrew Warwick, Tom O'Toole, Harry Sheridan, Cormac Izuchukwu, Dave Shanahan, James Humphreys, Werner Kok.