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'Professional sport is ruthless': Ex-Ulster player unloads after being released

(Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

A 25-year-old who was among the three players released by Ulster for the 2020/21 season has taken to Twitter to describe how ruthless professional sport is. Zack McCall, the younger brother of established prop Kyle, was cut loose by Dan McFarland along with Clive Ross and Angus Kernohan when the Irish province set out its stall for next season. 

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The decision left the hooker devastated and he has taken to social media to explain to fans how brutal a brilliant sport can be.  “To put things into context for anyone who doesn’t know me: I have dedicated my life to rugby in Ulster. I’ve worn every jersey with pride, worn my heart on my sleeve and tried to give 100 per cent even in the darkest of times.  

“I want to shine a light for the guys that are on the fringes and remind others it’s not always rainbows and butterflies. Professional sport is ruthless and can take its toll on your mental health just as much as your physical health.

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“Just remember these guys have aspirations and dreams too so respect the little guy and be kind, not just in rugby but in all aspects on life. And if you are the little guy, back yourself, throw everything at it and have no regrets. That’s what I’m going to do.”

Unlike his brother, McCall never got to feature at Guinness PRO14 level for Ulster and it remains to be seen if the ex-Ireland U20s player will try his luck elsewhere in the pro game now that he has been offloaded by his hometown province.

“Unfortunately my time with Ulster has come to an end. I’ve had some unforgettable experiences, good and bad. The good: getting to travel the world and play competitive teams sport for a loving and to do it with my brother is something I’m incredibly thankful for.

“The bad: dealing with repeated disappointment, from injuries, selections and the massive highs and lows that rugby can take you through. Even though they have been pretty tough at times, these experiences have contributed to making me stronger as a man with physically and mentally.”

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AM 39 minutes ago
'Freelancer' Izaia Perese shows the need for true inclusivity in Australian rugby

That's Cron's job though. Australia has had one of the most penalised scrums in international rugby for a long time. Just look at the scrum win loss percentage and scrum penalties. That is your evidence. AA has been the starter during that period. Pretty simple analysis. That Australia has had a poor scrum for a long time is hardly news. If bell and thor are not on the field they are woeful. So you are just plain wrong. They have very little time for the lions so doing the same old things that dont work is not going to get them there.


Ainsley is better than our next best tighthead options and has been playing well at scrum time for Lyon in the most competitive comp in the world. Superstar player? No. But better than the next best options. So that is a good enough guide. The scrummaging in the Prem is pretty good too so there is Sio's proof. Same analysis for him. Certainly better in both cases than Super, where the brumbies had the worst win loss and scrum pen in Super. Who plays there? Ohh yes... And the level of scrummaging in Super is well below the URC, prem and France with the SA teams out.


Nongorr is truly woeful. He's 130kg and gets shoved about. That just should not be happening at that weight for a specialist prop who has always played rugby cf pone with leauge. He has had enough time to develop at 23. You'd be better off with Pone who is at least good around the field for the moment and sending Nongorr on exchange to France or England to see if they can improve him with better coaching as happened with Skelton and Meafou. He isn't going to develop in time in super if he has it at all.


Latu is a better scrummaging hooker than BPA and Nasser. and he's the best aussie player over the ball at ruck time. McReight's super jackling percentage hasnt converted to international level but latu consistently does it at heniken level, which is similar to test level in the big games. With good coaching at La Rochelle he's much improved though still has the odd shocker. He should start the November games.

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