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Ulster on to a winner as social media fans are thrilled by signing of Matt Faddes
By
Josh Raisey
Ulster confirmed the rumour on Tuesday that Highlanders centre Matt Faddes will be joining them ahead of next season.
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The 27-year-old centre is having an excellent season with the Super Rugby outfit, and will be a great addition to an Ulster side that are hoping to close the gap on their Irish rivals Leinster and Munster.
The former New Zealand Sevens player looks to be one of those signings that can make a huge impact at a club. Capable of playing in the centres, on the wing or at full-back, he is an elusive runner with a good turn of pace. He’s solid in both attack and defence and has a great skill set, as all New Zealanders do.
In light of this announcement, Ulster fans have taken to Twitter to welcome Faddes to Ravenhill as they look forward to what he can bring. This is what they said:
Thrilled that these rumours have turned out be true. @MattFaddes is having a great season with @Highlanders. What a signing! Welcome Matt! SUFTUM.
— WJE-SUFTUM (@WJE_SUFTUM) May 14, 2019
Oof. Great signing. @sharnehawkins
— Jonathan Hawkins (@JonnyMoHawkins) May 14, 2019
Super signing! Made my day! #baller https://t.co/vwD6WD7r5r
— Ross Barnett (@rbarnett08) May 14, 2019
Another exciting addition to the squad. We are moving in the right direction ? #SUFTUM https://t.co/06JedZL9KX
— David Patterson (@DPatz13) May 14, 2019
Fantastic player and great to see it's finally confirmed suftum onceaulstermanalwaysaulsterman https://t.co/H18m7NigUI
— chris TOOLE???????????????? (@1018ct) May 14, 2019
What a scary back 3 @UlsterRugby are going to have faddes stockdale and Addison suftum onceaulstermanalwaysaulsterman
— chris TOOLE???????????????? (@1018ct) May 14, 2019
More good business for Ulster. Matt Faddes is a tidy back from the Highlanders who will do good things next season. https://t.co/Q1ayA5Qrvr
— Will Slattery (@slatterywill) May 14, 2019
Faddes is a great signing. He's sneaky fast, decent on the wing or at 15. Not sure about Owen's knees and a 3g pitch though ?
— Rhys Knott (@wrhys_writes) May 14, 2019
With Darren Cave, a long-time stalwart of the Ulster back line, retiring at the end of the season, Faddes may have been highlighted as the man to replace the former Ireland international in the 13 shirt. If that is the case, Ulster have landed the perfect replacement.
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With the arrival of Wallaby Sam Carter and British and Irish Lion Jack McGrath next season, Ulster are intent on building their squad to compete with the likes of Leinster. While Faddes may not be an All Black, he has all the hallmarks of being a favourite at Ravenhill for the seasons to come.
The additional loss of Rory Best, who is retiring, will only add to coach Dan McFarland’s tinkering for next season.
But their latest recruitment means that the side are heading in the right direction as the versatile Faddes has the potential to have the same impact as the likes of Charles Piutau with the Northern Irish club.
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