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Forgotten Lions starter one of four players to sign contract extensions at Ulster
By PA
Ireland prop Jack McGrath is among four players to have signed one-year contract extensions with Ulster.
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McGrath, who made three Test appearances on the British and Irish Lions’ 2017 tour of New Zealand, joined the club from provincial rivals Leinster in 2019.
The 32-year-old won the most recent of his 56 caps for Ireland in the 57-15 loss to England ahead of the 2019 World Cup.
Long-serving former Ireland wing Craig Gilroy – who has scored 68 career tries for Ulster – has also agreed a further 12 months, in addition to back-rows Marcus Rea and Greg Jones.
Head coach Dan McFarland told the club website: “It is encouraging to have secured the services of a further four of our current playing squad, with all set to play an important role in our plans for next season.
“Jack and Craig bring extensive experience and expertise, while Marcus and Greg have really grown into their roles within the club.
“I look forward to what they can achieve individually and collectively in the time ahead.”
Elsewhere Munster Rugby have confirmed that a further three players have signed contract extensions at the province.
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Dan Goggin, John Hodnett and James French, who are all products of the Greencore Munster Rugby Academy, have signed new contracts at Munster.
27-year-old Dan Goggin has signed a two-year contract to keep him at Munster until at least June 2024. The centre, who was named Munster Rugby Young Player of the Year in 2019, is a product of St Munchin’s and Young Munster. He has scored nine tries in 71 Munster appearances and has also lined out for the Ireland 7s team.
John Hodnett, who was contracted to 2023, has signed a one-year extension to keep him at Munster until at least June 2024. The 23-year-old UCC clubman is a product of Clonakilty RFC and was a Grand Slam winner with the Ireland U20s in 2019. Having missed nearly all of last season with an Achilles’ injury, Hodnett made his Champions Cup debut against Wasps in December and has featured in all four European Pool games this season.
Prop James French has signed a two-year contract extension to keep him at Munster until at least June 2024. The 23-year-old is a product of Bandon RFC and Bandon Grammar and is a former Ireland U20 international.
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