Ulster pair Michael McDonald and Declan Moore head for Connacht loan

Connacht have added to their squad for next season with the loan signings of Declan Moore and Michael McDonald, who both join from Ulster.

New Zealand native Moore heads to the Sportsground having made just two appearances for Ulster in the URC this season.

The 26-year-old moves to his third province since arriving in Ireland in 2021, having started out at Munster before joining Ulster in 2022, scoring a try on his debut against Connacht.

Scrum-half McDonald also heads west, having struggled for game time behind John Cooney and Nathan Doak.

The 23-year-old Louth native originally joined Ulster from Australia's Western Force in 2022, where he had lived since the age of 13, but only featured once for the province this season.

The former Australia U20 international was also a part of the Emerging Ireland squad that toured South Africa in September.

The pair will provide cover at hooker and scrum-half for Connacht next season, with Shane Delahunt retiring and Kieran Marmion departing for Bristol.

"Declan and Michael's arrival next season gives us further depth in two specialist positions," said Connacht head coach Peter Wilkins.

"They’re both excellent players who are hungry for an opportunity, and their respective qualities will make them real assets to Connacht Rugby.

"Having four hookers and three scrum-halves, coupled with the exciting talent we have emerging through our Academy, gives us excellent competition for places that will further drive the development of our squad."

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