Crosshaven's Bryan O'Connor signs for Ulster on a two year deal

Crosshaven native Bryan O’Connor has signed on at Ulster as they bid to beef up their options at tighthead prop in the wake of Marty Moore’s recent retirement.

The 25-year-old former Gloucester player has recently arrived at the Kingspan Stadium after joining the northern province following a spell at English Championship club Bedford Blues.

O’Connor, who can play both sides of the scrum, was part of Munster’s sub-Academy and featured for the province the former British and Irish Cup after making his mark in the AIL for UCC.

The versatile prop has also represented Ireland at U20s level at the 2018 World Cup and spent time at London Irish as well as three seasons at English Premiership side Gloucester prior to hooking up with Bedford.

Ulster’s scrum has been under pressure this season – they also lost double World Cup winning loosehead Steven Kitshoff who returned home early to rejoin the Stormers – and a largely inexperienced front row suffered a very uncomfortable afternoon last weekend against the mighty Bulls’ eight in Pretoria.

O’Connor will provide another front row option for Ulster coach Richie Murphy though it is unclear if the new arrival will be available for this weekend’s interprovincial against Connacht in Belfast.

Reacting to his move to Ulster, O’Connor said: “I’m delighted to sign with the province and I’m looking forward to getting integrated into the squad. 

"I feel I can add to the group here and can improve my game under the coaching staff.

“I’m excited to get going for the rest of the season."

Ulster Rugby’s Head of Recruitment and Rugby Operations, Bryn Cunningham added: “Bryan has had a few years playing over in England and we feel, with his physical profile, there was an opportunity to bring him in and add to our squad depth at tighthead.”

Meanwhile, O'Connor's former school PBC got their bid for a third Munster Schools Senior Cup campaign in a row off to a good start with a 26-15 win over St Munchin's College in Corbally.

Pres recovered from a poor start to the game to lead by two points at the break. 

The 32-times champions dominated the second half to earn an 11-point winning margin.

Elsewhere, Crescent College Comprehensive opened their campaign with a 44-29 win over Munster CSP in Dooradoyle.

Crescent ran in for five tries in an impressive display but were matched all the way in the second half by a CSP side that were left to rue a poor start.