Ulster trio Baloucoune, McNabney and Hopes sign deals through 2029
On 28 October 2026, Rob Baloucoune, James McNabney and Joe Hopes signed contract extensions with Ulster, committing to remain with the club until "at least" the summer of 2029.
Ireland wing Rob Baloucoune, back rower James McNabney and versatile forward Joe Hopes all agreed new terms in a move announced by Ulster on 28 October 2026. Baloucoune is 29, McNabney is 23 and Hopes broke into the senior team last season; the club confirmed the length of the deals as running to the summer of 2029.
Baloucoune signed fresh terms following a memorable 2026 in which the 29-year-old's Six Nations displays earned him the championship's Rising Player award. The announcement described his recent run of games as having benefited both Ulster and the national team.
McNabney's new deal arrived a week after his call-up to the Ireland squad and after he made his Ulster return last month, having spent a year out with a serious knee injury. Ulster highlighted his comeback to first-team action as part of the rationale for extending his contract.
Joe Hopes, who is capable of playing at lock or in the back row, committed his future after breaking into the senior side last season. The 2022 Ulster Schools' player of the year made his debut aged 19 in 2023 and featured off the bench in the Challenge Cup win over Zebre earlier this month.
Ulster reiterated that all three players have signed new deals until "at least" the summer of 2029. General manager Rory Best said: "We are delighted to have secured the futures of Rob, James and Joe," added general manager Rory Best. "Rob has showcased his importance to this Ulster team and the national team with his abilities and performances. He is a Test-level winger who has really benefited from a run of games over the past year. "Both James and Joe are working hard in the early stages of their professional careers and have both shown a lot of potential in our forward pack."
Best added: "Everyone here was delighted to see James called up to the Ireland squad after the adversity he faced coming back from a long-term knee injury. "We have full belief that all three will form an important part of our Ulster team in the coming years and look forward to seeing what they produce on the field."