Ulster Rugby is preparing for a significant transition as the current season draws to a close, confirming that 11 senior players will depart the province. Among the most notable exits is the high-impact South African wing Werner Kok, whose departure marks the end of a brief but explosive tenure in Belfast.
The announcement signals a major squad overhaul for the side, which is currently balancing a push for a United Rugby Championship (URC) play-off spot with a high-stakes European final. The loss of experienced personnel across multiple positions will require a strategic rebuild as the club looks toward the next competitive cycle.
For the supporters, the news of Werner Kok leaving Ulster is particularly poignant. Since arriving from the Sharks in 2024, Kok has established himself as a fan favorite, blending raw energy with a clinical finishing ability that has provided a consistent spark for the Ulster attack.
The Impact of Werner Kok and Senior Departures
Werner Kok’s contributions this season have been quantifiable and significant. The South African wing has scored 12 tries across all competitions, proving to be one of the most effective offensive weapons in the squad. His ability to break lines and finish opportunities has made him a focal point of the team’s scoring efforts during his time in the province.
While Kok represents a recent acquisition, other departures highlight the end of long-term eras. Hooker John Andrew is leaving the club with more than 130 appearances to his name, having made his senior debut in 2015. Andrew served as a reliable deputy to established figures like Rory Best, Rob Herring, and Tom Stewart, providing essential stability to the front row for nearly a decade Ulster Rugby squad updates.
Similarly, experienced scrum-half Dave Shanahan will depart after a tenure that spanned over a decade. Shanahan leaves with more than 100 appearances, having debuted for the province in 2013.
Comprehensive List of Departures
The scale of the exodus extends beyond the headline names. In addition to Kok, Andrew, and Shanahan, several other senior players are leaving following the expiry of their contracts. These include:
- Angus Bell: The Australian prop will return to the NSW Waratahs following the conclusion of his short-term deal.
- Forwards: Matthew Dalton, Marcus Rea, Rory McGuire, Bryan O’Connor, and Sean Reffell.
- Backs: Ben Moxham and James Humphreys.
The transition also affects the developmental pipeline, with five academy players confirmed to be leaving the setup: Sam Berman, Wilhelm De Klerk, Ethan Graham, Lukas Kenny, and Josh Stevens.
Management Perspective and Club Sentiment
General manager Rory Best has expressed gratitude for the contributions of the outgoing players, acknowledging the role they played in the team’s recent campaigns. In a statement, Best noted, “I’d like to thank the players who are moving on for their application and contributions to Ulster Rugby.”
The club is encouraging supporters to use the final home appearances to celebrate the efforts of these athletes. Best added, “I hope that supporters will join us on Friday night after full-time, as we celebrate their efforts and wish them well for the future.”
The Final Push: Glasgow and Bilbao
Despite the looming departures, the current squad remains focused on two critical immediate objectives. First, Ulster will face the Glasgow Warriors this Friday in their final game of the United Rugby Championship regular season, where they will fight to secure a play-off position.
Following the URC conclusion, the club moves its focus to the European stage. Ulster is scheduled to compete in the Challenge Cup final against Montpellier, which will take place in Bilbao on May 22 Challenge Cup final schedule. This match represents a pivotal opportunity for the departing players to leave the province on a high note, although the team will be without Henderson, who has been suspended for the final.
Key Takeaways: Ulster Squad Transition
- Senior Exits: 11 senior players are leaving at the end of the season, including key figures like Werner Kok and John Andrew.
- Kok’s Record: The South African wing leaves after scoring 12 tries in all competitions since joining from the Sharks in 2024.
- Veteran Service: John Andrew (130+ appearances) and Dave Shanahan (100+ appearances) end long-term tenures.
- Immediate Goals: A final URC regular-season match against Glasgow Warriors and the Challenge Cup final on May 22.
- Academy Shift: Five academy players are also departing the province.
The departure of 11 senior players represents a significant shift in the locker room dynamic and on-field experience. For a club of Ulster’s stature, replacing the try-scoring instinct of Kok and the veteran leadership of Andrew and Shanahan simultaneously will be a primary focus for the coaching staff during the off-season.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the club is the Challenge Cup final on May 22 in Bilbao. This match will serve as the final act for many of these departing players.
Do you think Ulster can effectively fill the void left by these 11 senior players? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and share this story with fellow rugby fans.