Tadgh McElroy joins Ulster as short-term injury cover ahead of South Africa tour

Ulster Rugby has announced the signing of Tadgh McElroy on a short-term injury cover basis.

The 27-year-old hooker, who played for Connacht last season, brings valuable experience to the squad. McElroy, a former Ireland U20s player, has previously represented clubs such as Saracens, Bedford Blues, Bristol Bears, London Irish, and Leinster.

McElroy is part of the 30-man travelling squad selected by Ulster head coach Richie Murphy as the team prepares for back-to-back fixtures against South African opponents over the next two weekends.

Ulster will face the Lions on Saturday at Emirates Airline Park, followed by a match against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria the following weekend.

Ulster squad:

Backs: John Cooney, Nathan Doak, Dave Shanahan, Aidan Morgan, James Humphreys, Jacob Stockdale, Mike Lowry, Ben Moxham, Werner Kok, Stuart McCloskey, Stewart Moore, Ben Carson, Ethan McIlroy

Forwards: Andy Warwick, Eric O’Sullivan, Callum Reid, John Andrew, James McCormick, Tadgh McElroy, Tom O’Toole, Corrie Barrett, Iain Henderson (C), Alan O’Connor, Kieran Treadwell, Charlie Irvine, James McNabney, Matty Rea, Sean Reffell, David McCann, Nick Timoney.