Ulster centre Sam Arnold has lined out on 11 occasions for the northern province with the 19-year-old most recently making his Champions Cup debut starting on the wing against Oyannax in Charles Mathon in January.
Arnold, who hails from England, made his PRO12 debut as an 18-year-old against Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade in March 2015 and completed the season as Ulster Rugby’s Academy Player of the Year.
A product of the Ireland Exiles, at Ireland U20s level the Ballynahinch clubman impressed throughout the 2014/15 campaign, starting in nine out of ten games at 6 Nations and World Championship level. The young player will join the province at the start of the 2016/17 season.
On the retention front, Duncan Casey is the latest in a line of home-grown talent to secure their future with the province. The 25-year-old has made 40 appearances for Munster, scoring 5 tries. The Shannon clubman is currently rehabbing a pectoral muscle injury and is on course for a return to action in April.
Commenting on today’s contract news Head Coach Anthony Foley said, “Once again, today’s news speaks volumes about this group of players – they are committed to the province and are ambitious to achieve something together.
“Although still young, Duncan is an experienced player and we look forward to seeing him make a full return from injury while with Sean it’s great to see another academy player make the step up. We also look forward to welcoming Sam to the squad as he has shown to be an exciting prospect for the future.”
