Ulster Rugby fans were dealt a blow last week with the news that powerhouse number eight, Juarno Augustus, is sidelined with a 'significant' ankle injury. This could have easily derailed their promising start to the season, but Ulster might have just found their next star in Bryn Ward.
Ulster's early 2025-26 campaign paints a stark contrast to their disappointing 14th-place finish in the United Rugby Championship last season. A key culprit for those struggles? A relentless barrage of injuries. But here's where it gets interesting: in their first match without Augustus, it was his replacement, the dynamic Bryn Ward, who stole the show, earning Player of the Match honors in their dominant 28-3 victory over Munster.
"This week, with such a player like Juarno getting injured, it's obviously a big role for me to try and fill," admitted the humble 21-year-old Ward. "Juarno has been so good since he's come in and I've certainly learnt a lot off him." This speaks volumes about the team's culture, where even replacements acknowledge the impact of their injured teammates.
Head Coach Richie Murphy was visibly thrilled by Ward's performance in the crucial interprovincial clash. He went as far as to say that Ward's ball-carrying prowess is "up there with the best ball carriers in the world." That's high praise, and it highlights the young player's potential to become a truly world-class talent.
"I thought Bryn, stepping into Juarno's shoes was incredible," Murphy elaborated. "His ball carrying is right up there with the best ball carriers in the world, really. At 118kgs he moves quicker than most wingers."
And this is the part most people miss: Murphy didn't just praise Ward's power. He also emphasized his agility. "He has good feet as well at the line, so it's an incredible strength for a back row forward to have." This combination of size and speed makes Ward a unique and dangerous threat on the field. Is he the next big thing in Irish Rugby? Only time will tell.
The Munster game marked Ward's seventh appearance for Ulster, a milestone he celebrated with his first senior try. As he works to cement his place at the Affidea Stadium, Ward has a familiar face alongside him: his brother Zac, a seasoned professional and Irish Olympian who represented his country in rugby sevens at the Paris games two summers ago. Zac, a winger, already boasts five tries this campaign and was also impressive against Munster.
"We've grown up together playing in the back yard and stuff so to now be out there in front of 16,500 in a sold-out Affidea, it's pretty surreal," the younger Ward said, reflecting on the experience of playing alongside his brother, who is six years his senior. "Watching him throughout the sevens and stuff, whenever I was in school and just coming out of school, he's definitely been really influential on me. It's just nice to have a familiar face around the place as well and its class to play with him as well."
He also added, "I dropped the ball out there and he was the first one to come over and give me a pat on the bum and say, 'keep your head', so it's been really good." This anecdote perfectly illustrates the strong bond between the brothers and the support system that exists within the Ulster squad.
Bryn, along with his brother, are the sons of former Ulster captain Andy Ward, adding another layer of legacy to his story. He's not the only young player making waves in the Ulster setup. Locks Joe Hopes and Charlie Irvine have also been contributing valuable minutes in recent weeks. This influx of young talent is a testament to the club's development system.
With experienced internationals like Stuart McCloskey, Iain Henderson, Nick Timoney, and Jacob Stockdale providing guidance, Ward believes he and other young players are greatly benefiting from their mentorship. "The biggest thing probably is the speed of the game. Physically, I've been playing for Ballynahinch in the AIL [All-Ireland League], so it's obviously a step up physically when you're playing South African teams and big interpros," Ward explained.
He continued, "It's definitely just the pace of the game, you've got to be so switched on and defensively you've always got your head on a swivel."
Ward concluded by emphasizing the importance of veteran leadership: "Having guys in the club that have so much experience, it's so good for the young boys coming through that they can give us such a help to make the jump." This highlights the crucial role that seasoned players play in nurturing the next generation of Ulster stars.
But here's where it gets controversial... Is it too early to be comparing Ward to world-class ball carriers? Some might argue that one good game against Munster doesn't warrant such lofty comparisons. Others might say that his raw potential is undeniable, and that with the right development, he could indeed reach those heights. What do you think? Is Ward the real deal, or is it just hype? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
