Rory McGuire

A product of the Ulster academy system, Rory McGuire is a back-row forward who has steadily built his case for greater senior involvement with the province. Born on 26 August 2002, the Irish flanker has developed a reputation for his work rate and his willingness to throw himself into the physical heart of the game. McGuire's strengths lie in his carrying and his industry at the breakdown, where he competes hard for the ball and looks to disrupt opposition possession. Defensively he offers a robust, reliable presence, the kind of forward who is content to do the unseen work that keeps a pack ticking over. As a developing player within Ulster's forward depth, he is focused on adding consistency and physical maturity to his game, building the durability required to compete week in, week out at the top level. The pathway from academy to established professional is a demanding one, but McGuire's combination of energy, physicality and breakdown nous marks him as a genuine prospect for Ulster's back row in the seasons ahead.