URC strugglers Ulster have confirmed that eight players – including two ex-Ireland internationals – will exit the province at the end of this season.

This Saturday’s visit of the Sharks to Belfast is the Irish club’s final home match of their season and they will use the occasion to farewell an exodus that rises to 13 when five released academy players are included.

Amongst the departures from Richie Murphy’s squad are John Cooney and Kieran Treadwell, whose Test careers have fallen by the wayside in recent years.

As confirmed in March, scrum-half Cooney will link up with Brive in France while lock Treadwell revealed in January that he is heading back across the Irish Sea to rejoin Harlequins in the Premiership.

While the exit of this pair was already known, the presence of long-serving trio Alan O’Connor, Matty Rea and Andrew Warwick catches the eye in an Ulster list completed by the less experienced Corrie Barrett, Reuben Crothers and Michael McDonald.

‘Some big shoes to fill’

An Ulster statement read: “The club will thank eight senior men’s players departing at the end of the season at this Saturday’s home fixture against Hollywoodbets Sharks.

“Supporters will have the chance to say a fond farewell to the players confirmed by the club as this season’s leavers: Corrie Barrett (9 appearances), John Cooney (154), Reuben Crothers (7), Michael McDonald (1), Alan O’Connor (210), Matty Rea (111), Kieran Treadwell (177) and Andrew Warwick (209).

“The province can also confirm that academy players, Rory Telfer, Zac Solomon, Jack Boal, Cameron Doak and Ben McFarlane will also be leaving following the conclusion of the current season.”

General manager Bryn Cunningham said: “On behalf of Ulster Rugby, I would like to say thank you to the players leaving us at the end of this season. Each player has made an important and positive contribution, both on and off the field.

“We look forward to joining our supporters on Saturday night to celebrate their contributions for the province and wish them all the very best for their next chapters.

“Supporters will join me in thanking Al, Andy, Kieran, John and Matty for their time at Ulster. Between them, they have amassed over 850 caps in the jersey and will leave behind some big shoes to fill.

“Al and Andy have been superb role models in the way they go about their work with a no-nonsense attitude and total commitment to the jersey over the years. Both players hit the milestone of reaching over 200 caps for Ulster earlier this season, becoming members of that special club.

“John and Kieran made a huge impact on the senior team since joining us and made every Ulster supporter proud when they went on to represent Ireland on international duty. I know John will miss the chants of ‘Cooney’ ringing around Ravenhill.

“Matty has given his all for the shirt since he joined after impressing in the AIL with Ballymena and, like the others mentioned, he can be incredibly proud of his contributions over the years while finishing his time strongly this season.”

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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/two-ireland-internationals-to-exit-as-ulster-reveal-eight-players-are-set-to-leave