Australian Prop Angus Bell Joins Ulster Rugby for 2025-26 Season

Ulster Rugby has secured a significant signing by bringing in Australian loose-head prop Angus Bell on a short-term sabbatical deal from the NSW Waratahs, set to begin after the 2025 international season. Bell, considered one of the best loosehead props globally and a key player for the Wallabies, will join Ulster until the end of the 2025-26 campaign, gaining experience in the United Rugby Championship before returning to Australia for the 2026 Test season. His arrival addresses Ulster's need for a marquee prop following a challenging 2024-25 season that saw them miss the URC playoffs and lose World Cup-winning prop Steven Kitshoff to retirement. The move follows a trend of southern-hemisphere players joining Irish provinces on short-term deals, with Bell choosing Ulster over other European clubs like Bristol. Meanwhile, Ulster announced the early departure of New Zealand fly-half Aidan Morgan after limited opportunities, as the province plans to focus on developing three young contracted fly-halves. Both Rugby Australia and the Waratahs support Bell’s sabbatical, viewing it as a positive step for his personal and professional growth.