Menu
21/08/2017
Ulster Rugby Signs Christian Lealiifano
Ulster Rugby have signed Australian international flyhalf Christian Lealiifano on a five-month deal.
Lealiifano's contract will run until 22 January next year, following the conclusion of the Champions Cup pool stages. He will then return to the Brumbies for the start of the Super Rugby season.
He said: "I'd like to thank the Brumbies for allowing me to do this stint abroad. I'm really excited to be joining up with Ulster Rugby and I'm looking forward to getting out there in front of the supporters at Kingspan Stadium. I can't wait to experience the rugby and the culture in Belfast."
Les Kiss, Director of Rugby, said: "This is a massive boost for us as we approach the start of the season. It was paramount that we signed an experienced player to give us another option at flyhalf and this is a fantastic solution for us.
"Christian has the playing talent, the leadership ability and the personality to make a big impact here. He has overcome significant challenges in his career and that is testament to his bravery and strong character.
"He's a proven leader and we're excited by the influence that he'll have on our young flyhalves Peter Nelson, Brett Herron, Johnny McPhillips and Callum Smith. We also have two exciting players in our Academy, Michael Lowry and Angus Curtis, who will also have a fantastic opportunity to learn from Christian.
"From speaking to Christian, I know that he is very excited by the challenge and is looking forward to joining up with us soon."
Image: Ulster Rugby
(CD)
Lealiifano's contract will run until 22 January next year, following the conclusion of the Champions Cup pool stages. He will then return to the Brumbies for the start of the Super Rugby season.
He said: "I'd like to thank the Brumbies for allowing me to do this stint abroad. I'm really excited to be joining up with Ulster Rugby and I'm looking forward to getting out there in front of the supporters at Kingspan Stadium. I can't wait to experience the rugby and the culture in Belfast."
Les Kiss, Director of Rugby, said: "This is a massive boost for us as we approach the start of the season. It was paramount that we signed an experienced player to give us another option at flyhalf and this is a fantastic solution for us.
"Christian has the playing talent, the leadership ability and the personality to make a big impact here. He has overcome significant challenges in his career and that is testament to his bravery and strong character.
"He's a proven leader and we're excited by the influence that he'll have on our young flyhalves Peter Nelson, Brett Herron, Johnny McPhillips and Callum Smith. We also have two exciting players in our Academy, Michael Lowry and Angus Curtis, who will also have a fantastic opportunity to learn from Christian.
"From speaking to Christian, I know that he is very excited by the challenge and is looking forward to joining up with us soon."
Image: Ulster Rugby
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 April 2024
Economy Minister Welcomes New Virtual Production Complex
A new virtual production studio complex is on course to open for business this Autumn and will be a key part of a major £72 million expansion of Belfast Harbour Studios. Economy Minister Conor Murphy recently toured the new Studio Ulster facility and was able to see this world-class centre of excellence take shape.
Economy Minister Welcomes New Virtual Production Complex
A new virtual production studio complex is on course to open for business this Autumn and will be a key part of a major £72 million expansion of Belfast Harbour Studios. Economy Minister Conor Murphy recently toured the new Studio Ulster facility and was able to see this world-class centre of excellence take shape.
05 April 2024
Ulster GAA Backs NI Road Safety Campaign
Ulster GAA has announced it support for the 'Share the Road to Zero' campaign, pledging its commitment to improving road safety. The Northern Ireland Football League, PSNI, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and councils are among other organisations that have signed up to the campaign.
Ulster GAA Backs NI Road Safety Campaign
Ulster GAA has announced it support for the 'Share the Road to Zero' campaign, pledging its commitment to improving road safety. The Northern Ireland Football League, PSNI, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and councils are among other organisations that have signed up to the campaign.
25 April 2024
Other News In Brief
22-Year-Old Sentenced For 'Behaviour Likely To Stir Up Hatred' A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to 240 hours of community service for the offence of 'behaviour likely to stir up hatred', after a video was posted online in June 2023, showing people singing an offensive song relating to Michaela McAreavey.
Other News In Brief
22-Year-Old Sentenced For 'Behaviour Likely To Stir Up Hatred' A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to 240 hours of community service for the offence of 'behaviour likely to stir up hatred', after a video was posted online in June 2023, showing people singing an offensive song relating to Michaela McAreavey.
24 April 2024
'Decision Week' For Executive To Agree 2024/25 Budget – UUP
The Ulster Unionist Party has said it is "decision week" for the Executive to agree a new 2024/25 Budget. Party leader and Upper Bann MLA, Doug Beattie, reiterated his warnings of the damage being inflicted to key services the longer the void in this year's Budget continues.
'Decision Week' For Executive To Agree 2024/25 Budget – UUP
The Ulster Unionist Party has said it is "decision week" for the Executive to agree a new 2024/25 Budget. Party leader and Upper Bann MLA, Doug Beattie, reiterated his warnings of the damage being inflicted to key services the longer the void in this year's Budget continues.
25 March 2024
New Taskforce To Expand Ulster Uni To Over 10,000 Students
A new taskforce has been established to develop and oversee an action plan to expand Ulster University’s L'Derry campus to 10,000 students. Announced by the Economy Minister, Conor Murphy said: "The expansion of Ulster University’s campus in Derry is key to promoting regional balance, in line with my economic vision.
New Taskforce To Expand Ulster Uni To Over 10,000 Students
A new taskforce has been established to develop and oversee an action plan to expand Ulster University’s L'Derry campus to 10,000 students. Announced by the Economy Minister, Conor Murphy said: "The expansion of Ulster University’s campus in Derry is key to promoting regional balance, in line with my economic vision.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A fine end to the day with some sunshine, then clear spells overnight. Low cloud could form around some Irish Sea coasts later in the night, or a few fog patches in prone spots.. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
