Ulster secure Baloucoune, McNabney and Hopes on deals through at least 2029

Ulster have agreed contract extensions with Robert Baloucoune, James McNabney and Joe Hopes, keeping all three players at the province until at least the summer of 2029. BBC Sport reported the agreements on Wednesday, with the announcement covering an established Ireland winger and two forwards developing their senior careers.

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Baloucoune's new deal follows a significant year at international level. The 29-year-old from Enniskillen scored three tries during the 2026 Six Nations as Ireland won the Triple Crown, according to The42. His performances also earned the championship's Rising Star award. The extension follows that recognition and secures his continued involvement with Ulster after a season in which his provincial performances helped bring him into the Ireland team.

McNabney, 23, has signed after returning from an anterior cruciate ligament injury that kept him out of the 2025-26 campaign. The42 reported that he had been included in Ireland's summer training squad following his breakthrough 2024-25 season, before the injury interrupted his progress. He is now back playing for Ulster and has been selected for Andy Farrell's Nations Championship squad.

The back-row forward remains uncapped and is hoping to make his senior international debut. In separate reporting earlier this week, BBC Sport said he had started Ulster's season opener against Edinburgh before appearing from the bench in their next three United Rugby Championship fixtures. Ireland's forthcoming home Tests are against Argentina, Fiji and South Africa, giving his return to the national squad a further competitive focus.

Hopes offers options at both lock and in the back row. BBC Sport reported that the former Ulster Schools' player of the year made his provincial debut aged 19 in 2023 and came off the bench in this month's Challenge Cup victory over Zebre. The42 added that the 22-year-old has also been getting playing time with Ballynahinch in All-Ireland League Division 1A while pursuing Ulster selection.

General manager Rory Best welcomed the three agreements. In comments carried by Yahoo Sports, he credited a sustained run of matches with helping Baloucoune and welcomed McNabney's Ireland selection after his lengthy knee-injury absence. Best said Ulster expected all three players to contribute to the team in the years ahead.