Bell to exercise short sabbatical with Ulster

Wed, May 21, 2025, 7:30 PM
Rugby Australia
by Rugby Australia
Angus Bell will join Ulster for a short sabbatical in 2026. Photo: Getty Images
Angus Bell will join Ulster for a short sabbatical in 2026. Photo: Getty Images

Wallabies and Waratahs prop Angus Bell will take a short sabbatical with Ulster after the 2025 international season.

Bell’s contract with Rugby Australia and the Waratahs runs through to the end of 2027 and contains an option for a sabbatical.

He will return to Australia before the start of the 2026 international season.

Wallabies and NSW Waratahs prop Angus Bell said: “To play a season for Ulster in the United Rugby Championship will provide me with new experiences and skills which I look forward to bringing back to Australia with me.

“I would like to thank Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs for working with me in exploring this unique opportunity.”

Rugby Australia’s Director of High-Performance Peter Horne said: “We’ve looked at this opportunity with a long-term view and we think a season in Ulster will be a positive experience for Angus.

“At just 24-years-old this will be a great opportunity for him to grow as a player and a person and we look forward to seeing him return home ahead of the next year’s international season.”

NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar said: “We’re supportive of Angus’ decision to continue his personal growth. He’s a young man, who came straight out of school into the NSW Waratahs system, and we think the time at Ulster will be good for his development on and off the field, which ultimately will help the Waratahs long term.

“We’ve had a focus on creating depth within our squad this year and Angus’ time in Ireland will provide opportunities for others who are willing to continue to work hard to earn opportunities in the sky blue jersey.”

2025 Wallabies Tests

Wallabies v Fiji at 1:30pm AEST on Sunday July 6 at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

British & Irish Lions Tour

Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday July 19 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday July 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday August 2 at Accor Stadium, Sydney

The Flight Centre Rugby Championship/Bledisloe Cup

Wallabies v South Africa at 1:10am AEST on Sunday August 17 at Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg

Wallabies v South Africa at 1:10am AEST on Sunday August 24 at DHL Stadium, Cape Town

Wallabies v Argentina at 2:30pm AEST on Saturday September 6 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

Wallabies v Argentina at 2:00pm AEST on Saturday September 13 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Wallabies v New Zealand at 3:05pm AEST on Saturday September 27, Eden Park, Auckland

Wallabies v New Zealand at 5:45pm AWST on Saturday October 4 at Optus Stadium, Perth

Spring Tour

Wallabies v Japan at TBC on Saturday October 25 at National Stadium, Tokyo

Wallabies v England, at 2:10am AEDT on Sunday November 2 at Allianz Stadium, London

Wallabies v Italy at 4:40am AEDT on Sunday November 9 at TBC

Wallabies v Ireland at 7:10am AEDT on Sunday November 16 at Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Wallabies v France at 7:10am on Sunday November 23 at TBC

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