Ulster Rugby: Fly-half Aidan Morgan to leave club after one season

New Zealand-born fly-half Aidan Morgan will leave Ulster this summer “by mutual consent”.

Morgan joined Ulster from Super Rugby side Hurricanes on a two-year-old last year following Billy Burns’ departure to Munster.

The 23-year-old, who previously played for the New Zealand Under-20 team, is qualified to represent Ireland through a Belfast-born grandfather.

Morgan made 17 appearances for Ulster, including 12 starts, and scored tries in his first two games.

However, Morgan featured mainly from the bench in the closing stages of the season with Jack Murphy – head coach Richie Murphy’s son – preferred in the 10 shirt.

“I want to thank Ulster Rugby fans, the players and staff for the the part they have played in welcoming me in since joining last summer,” said Morgan.

“I have enjoyed my time here in Belfast with Ulster, learning and growing as a player and a person.

“Thank you for the great memories and I wish everyone all the best for the future.”

Ulster general manager Bryn Cunningham described Morgan as the “consummate professional”, but said releasing the player from his contract was “in the best interests of both parties”.

“We thank Aidan for all his efforts over the past season and wish him and his partner all the very best for their next chapter,” said Cunningham.

“Going into the 2025-26 season, we will have three fully contracted fly-halves -Jack Murphy, Jake Flannery, James Humphreys – between 21 and 26 years of age, all of which we need to continue to develop and get the very best out of in the seasons ahead.”