NSW Waratahs and Wallabies loosehead prop Angus Bell will take a short sabbatical with Ulster after the 2025 international season.
Bell’s contract with Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs runs through to the end of 2027 and contains an option for a sabbatical.
He will return to Australia before the start of the 2026 international season.
Wallabies and NSW Waratahs prop Angus Bell said: “To play a season for Ulster in the United Rugby Championship will provide me with new experiences and skills which I look forward to bringing back to Australia with me.
“I would like to thank Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs for working with me in exploring this unique opportunity.”
Rugby Australia’s Director of High-Performance Peter Horne said: “We’ve looked at this opportunity with a long-term view and we think a season in Ulster will be a positive experience for Angus.
“At just 24-years-old this will be a great opportunity for him to grow as a player and a person and we look forward to seeing him return home ahead of the next year’s international season.”
NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar said: “We’re supportive of Angus’ decision to continue his personal growth.
"He’s a young man, who came straight out of school into the NSW Waratahs system, and we think the time at Ulster will be good for his development on and off the field, which ultimately will help the Waratahs long term.
“We’ve had a focus on creating depth within our squad this year and Angus’ time in Ireland will provide opportunities for others who are willing to continue to work hard to earn opportunities in the sky blue jersey.”
Bell, who earned his 50th NSW Waratahs cap in their Round 9 Super Rugby Pacific win against the Chiefs in Sydney, will play his next game for the team in Saturday night's Round 15 clash against the Western Force at HBF Park in Perth.
Where: HBF Park, Perth
When: Saturday, 24 May, 2025
Kick-off: 7.35 pm (AEST)
The game will be televised LIVE on Stan Sport - The Home of Rugby
Ends ././
