Rugby Ireland has another notable provincial move to track after Ulster confirmed the signing of Chay Mullins on a one-year deal. The former Ireland Sevens international arrives from Connacht with a growing reputation, and the switch is one of the more interesting ireland sports news developments of the week.
Mullins, 24, is a back-three player known for pace, power and versatility. He spent three and a half years with Connacht, progressing from academy level to the senior squad, and made an instant impact in 15s by scoring a hat-trick on his debut against Zebre Parma in December 2024. Before that, he built his name in the sevens game, helping Ireland win bronze at the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Rugby Europe Sevens Championship in 2023.
What Chay Mullins brings to Ulster
This looks like a smart piece of business for Ulster and a significant story for sports ireland followers watching provincial squads take shape ahead of the new campaign. Mullins already knows key figures in the setup, including head coach Richie Murphy, who worked with him during Ireland Under-20s’ Grand Slam-winning year in 2022.
- Strong sevens pedigree and top-level experience on the HSBC SVNS circuit
- Proven finishing ability in the back three
- Flexibility across multiple positions in the outside backs
- Existing links with coaches and players, including Zac Ward
Mullins said the move was “really exciting” and pointed to Ulster’s attacking style as a good fit for his game. That matters. Ulster want depth, pace and competition in their back-line, and Mullins offers all three.
General manager Rory Best described the signing as an important opportunity, highlighting the player’s athletic profile and the belief that he can suit Ulster’s brand of rugby. For ireland rugby fans, this is a move worth following closely as pre-season builds and selection battles begin.
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The next step is simple: watch how quickly Mullins settles and whether he can turn promise into regular starts. For sports ireland audiences, this transfer could become one of the more useful ireland sports updates of the summer.
Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
