Current Academy squad members Mark McCrea, Niall O'Connor, David Drake and Thomas Anderson were all selected to train with the Ulster senior squad this summer for pre-season training in the absence of Ulster's International players. Mark, Niall and Thomas all featured during Ulster's first friendly of the season against Leeds, with Mark McCrea hitting headlines after an outstanding try ensured that Ulster secured victory against the English side.

A delighted McCrea said after the match "I couldn't have dreamed of anything better, I was hoping to score a try and to win was absolutely brilliant. This has given me a taste of professional rugby and I absolutely love it."

In the same weekend the Ulster Under 20s won the first game of their Inter-provincial series against Leinster on Saturday at Greystones. 6 Academy members were selected to compete in this match including Jamie Smith who established himself as a key member of the team and helped push the side towards their 15-5 win.

Michael Reid, Chief Executive of IRFU Ulster Branch said today of the success, "Success at this level highlights the work of the Sports Institute , the Academy and the Sub Academy work of Neil Doak. Ulster's success is built on the strong foundations of the Schools game which has been developed and nurtured by Gary Longwell, all the Coaches and Back up Team. The players , Management and Coaches however know the work has only started and it is imperative that they follow it through over the next number of weeks."

"Young players can see the opportunities in front of them with Mark McCrea, Niall O'Connor, Darren Cave, David Pollock and Thomas Anderson who started for the Under 20's last year all starring for Ulster against Leeds Carnegie on Friday night"

The Academy has nurtured aspiring rugby talent such as Ulster players Paul Marshall, Stephen Ferris, and Andrew Trimble and the success of its former members highlights the positive contribution to professional and international rugby that it is making. The Ulster Academy has proven itself through its success stories and undoubtedly many of the current players will be names to remember for the near future.

Ulster Rugby Academy Squad 2007/08

Thomas Anderson; Niall O'Connor; David Drake; Sam McDonald; William Faloon; Steven Douglas; Jamie Smith; Mark McCrea; Neil Simpson; Owen McMurray; Ian Whitten; Mark Robinson; James Sanford; Tommy Seymour; Paul Karayiannis; Pat Stencamp; Ian Porter; Chris Cochrane; Sara Orr.

The Academy section of www.ulsterrugby.com is currently under construction and will be updated soon.