Congratulations to Bryan O’Connor from all at his late father’s club, on being selected to start for Ulster for the first time- against Munster.  (Saturday 17.30pm Thomond Park)

The Crosshaven native would have been introduced to rugby by his dad, also Bryan who was a Dolphin legend, starting as a mini playing right up to AIL.

He attended PBC, winning a Munster Senior Schools cup medal in 2017. He had a season with the Munster sub-academy and played for Ireland at the 2018 U20 World Championship.

Bryan joined UCC, his form for UCC in the AIL led to an offer from Gloucester and he joined the Premiership side in January 2021, making his professional debut four months later against Northampton. He made 11 appearances for Gloucester before joining Bedford where he made 22 appearances in 2023/24.

When Marty Moore announced his retirement in September 2024, Ulster came calling as Saracens & Northampton Saints were ready to make offers. He has been playing AIL with Queens University, he made his Ulster debut on 15th February 2025 away to Benetton.