Rugby:Ulster have bolstered their squad with today's news that Callum Black and Michael McComish will join the squad this summer.
Black (25) is an Irish-qualified prop who is currently contracted with English Worcester Warriors. Born in the United States and raised in England where he attended Hartpury College, Black is Irish-qualified through his paternal grandfather, originally from Belfast and has represented Ireland at underage levels.
He joined the Worcester Academy straight from college before joining the senior squad at the end of the 2008-09 season. He has made 50 appearances in the frontrow for the club and has had loan spells at both Otley and Plymouth.
“This is a new and exciting challenge for me,” said Black. “I’m at the stage in my career where I’m looking to really push on and I’m really looking forward to playing in the Magners League and Heineken Cup.”
“I’ve watched Ulster this season and been very impressed with how the team is developing and I’m looking forward to being part of that. My goal is to establish myself in the Ulster team and then try to force my way into the Ireland set up.”
McComish will join Ulster from Connacht where he has played for the past two seasons. The number eight can play anywhere in the backrow.
A former development player with Ulster, he has had spells with Rotherham and Otley in England before joining Connacht ahead of the start of the 2009-10 season.
McComish attended Campbell College and went on to play a key role in the Ballymena team that won the All Ireland Division One league in 2004. The 27- year-old has played for Ireland at under-21 level and has also represented the Ireland 7’s side.
Ulster’s Director of Rugby David Humphreys said: “We’re delighted to announce that Callum and Michael will be joining us and strengthening our squad ahead of next season.”
“Having spent the last few seasons with Connacht, Michael has gained a lot of Magners League experience while Callum has experience from the Premiership, the Championship as well as the LV and Amlin Challenge Cup competitions and so will be a very useful addition to our frontrow.”
