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'Rob is an exceptional talent': Ulster lock in hero of Toulouse Baloucoune
By Kim Ekin
Ulster have moved fast to lock in Rob Baloucoune, whose three tries helped seal Ulster's historic win over European champions Toulouse at the weekend.
The 193cm wingman - who's widely cited as the fastest player in the wider Ireland squad - put pen to paper on a 3-year contract extension, which will keep him with the province until at least the summer of 2025.
Following a stay with Ireland's Sevens program, Enniskillen-born winger Baloucoune made an immediate impact in the Ulster Senior squad after making his debut in October 2018, scoring tries against Munster, Leicester and Racing 92.
For the 2019-20 season, the 24-year-old was given a Development contract before being elevated to a Senior contract the following year.
“Rob is an exceptional talent, and it’s fantastic that a player of his calibre has committed their future to our province," said Ulster head coach, Dan McFarland. “Not only does he possess devastating pace, with the ability to score tries from anywhere, but he is also a superb defender, as he showcased against Toulouse.
“I’m looking forward to what Rob will deliver in the Ulster jersey over the coming seasons.”
Baloucoune, a prolific try-scorer, has crossed the line nine times in this season's United Rugby Championship and Heineken Champions Cup campaigns, with three more added in a Star of the Match effort in the HCC Round of 16 first leg match.
His outstanding achievements for Ulster earned him a call-up for Ireland, and he made his international debut in July 2021, scoring a magnificent solo try against the USA.
Baloucoune added: “I’m delighted to have extended my contract with Ulster for three more years. I’ve really enjoyed the journey so far alongside a great group of lads, and I’m excited to be part of this team as we continue to grow together.”
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Go to commentsYes that’s what WR needs to look at. Football had the same problem with european powerhouses getting all the latin talent then you’re gaurenteed to get the odd late bloomer (21/22 etc, all the best footballers can play for the country much younger to get locked) star changing his allegiance.
They used youth rep selection for locking national elifibilty at one point etc. Then later only counted residency after the age of 18 (make clubs/nations like in this case wait even longer).
That’s what I’m talking about, not changing allegiance in rugby (were it can only be captured by the senior side), where it is still the senior side. Oh yeah, good point about CJ, so in most cases we probably want kids to be able to switch allegiance, were say someone like Lemoto could rep Tonga (if he wasn’t so good) but still play for Australia’s seniors, while in someone like Kite’s (the last aussie kid to go to France) case he’ll be French qualified via 5 years residency at the age of 21, so France to lock him up before Aussie even get a chance to select him. But if we use footballs regulations, who I’m suggesting WR need to get their a into g replicating, he would only start his 5 years once he turns 18 or whatever, meaning 23 yo is as soon as anyone can switch, and when if they’re good enough teams like NZ and Aus can select them (France don’t give a f, they select anybody just to lock them).
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