Versatile Back Granted Early Release From Contract By Ulster

Ulster have revealed that Australian Sam Windsor has been granted an early release from his contract.

The versatile back, who operates primarily at outhalf, has been released so he can move to America and join up with his fiancée. The 29-year-old made just three appearances for the province since his arrival from Worcester Warriors 18 months ago.

He will be replaced in Ulster’s senior squad by Ballymena RFC centre Callum Patterson, who has also featured for the A side in the British and Irish Cup competition.

Windsor, who is Irish-qualified through his parents was regularly used as 24th man by Les Kiss due to his versatility.

“I got engaged about a month ago and my fiancée is over in America so it was a personal decision to join her over there,” he explained.

The plan is to continue to play rugby – it’s a sport that is growing rapidly in that part of the world and it presents a new challenge to me.

“I’ve loved it here in Belfast; I probably didn’t expect to love it so much. It’s been a great city to live in, the people here are amazing and I’ve forged some life-long friendships with the boys at the club. I’ll be keeping an eye on Ulster’s results and I think they will have nothing but success this season and beyond.”

His place in the squad for the rest of the season will be taken by Patterson, who will join up with his team-mates on a full-time basis from the third week of February.