Rugby

Ulster Rugby centre Ben Carson signs three-year extension with the province

The Ireland U20 international has played seven times for Ulster Rugby

Ben Carson runs with ball at Bulls player
5 October 2024; Ben Carson of Ulster in action during the United Rugby Championship match between Vodacom Bulls and Ulster at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa. Photo by Shaun Roy/Sportsfile (Shaun Roy / SPORTSFILE/SPORTSFILE)
By Liam Grimley

BEN Carson has signed an extension with Ulster to keep him in Belfast for the next three years.

The Irish U20 international has featured seven times for Ulster so far in his young career.

The 22-year-old made his debut for the Ulstermen in their URC visit last year to the Dexcom Stadium against Connacht, where he replaced James Hume in a 22-20 loss in Galway.

Carson has scored three tries so far this year for his side, including two against inter-provincial rivals Leinster in a 27-20 loss at Kingspan Stadium.

His first senior start was a memorable one, scoring a second-half try against the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfield Stadium in South Africa.

Ben Carson gives Ulster an early with the first of his two tries. But it was Leinster who prevailed on a 27-20 scoreline at Ravenhill.
Ulster Rugby Ben Carson scores a try against Leinster during Friday nightÕs BKT United Rugby Championship match at Kingspan Stadium. Picture by Brian Little

“I’m so excited for what the future holds. It’s been a dream of mine since I was young to play for Ulster, and this season I have earned more opportunities to stake my claim,” said Carson.

“For me, I want to keep developing my game and establish myself within the team in the months ahead.”

Internationally, Carson has won a U20 Six Nations Grand Slam title under current head coach Richie Murphy.

He has turned out at club level for Banbridge RFC and more recently with Ballynahinch RFC and played on the same Wallace High School team as Ulster Rugby teammate Nathan Doak.

Ulster Rugby’s General Manager, Bryn Cunningham said: “We are delighted to secure Ben’s future for the next three years and are excited to see how he grows in the Ulster jersey.

“He is a tenacious centre, who is busy around the park and has undoubtedly been one of the biggest improvers in our squad over the last 6-12 months.

“That growth has translated into strong recent performances and Ben putting his hand up for selection every week.”