UK: Ulster make move for Zimbabwean lock Eli Snyman; he has been regular starter at Italian side Benetton

By Irish News

NORTHERN IRELAND: According to reports, Ulster Rugby are set to strengthen their second-row resources with the signing of Zimbabwean lock Eli Snyman with the deal expected to be confirmed in the coming days.

South African outlet Rapport has reported that Snyman has agreed a two-year contract with the Irish province and will arrive ahead of next season.

While Ulster have yet to formally announce the move, all indications are that the 29-year-old is poised to add experience and physical presence to a relatively youthful lock group.

Standing at just over two metres tall, Snyman has built a reputation as a powerful lineout operator and abrasive tight-five forward.

He has been a regular starter for Benetton Rugby since returning to the Italian side in 2023 and featured against Ulster in United Rugby Championship action this season, underlining his familiarity with the league and its demands.

If the move is confirmed, Snyman would occupy one of Ulster’s tightly controlled non-Irish-qualified (NIQ) slots.

Those places are typically limited to around two or three per province and are only sanctioned where Irish-qualified depth is either unavailable or not compromised.

Specialist lock is one position where Irish provinces have historically been permitted to look overseas, given the physical and technical demands of the role.

Ulster’s current second-row options include Iain Henderson, Harry Sheridan, Cormac Izuchukwu, Charlie Irvine, Joe Hopes and Matty Dalton.

Henderson, the long-time captain, is now 33, while Dalton has struggled for continuity through injury.

Izuchukwu has often been deployed at blindside flanker and could increasingly be absent with Ireland should he establish himself at international level.

Against that backdrop, an experienced lock capable of shouldering URC and European minutes could ease the burden on younger players and support their development.

Snyman’s background underlines why Ulster see him as a potential fit.

A Harare native, he came through the Zimbabwe age-grade system before moving to South Africa, where he was educated at St John’s College in Johannesburg and developed further with Tuks and the Bulls.

He was part of the Junior Springbok squad at the 2016 World Rugby Under-20 Championship and has gone on to build a professional career across three countries, turning out in South Africa, the English Premiership with Leicester Tigers, and most recently in Italy.

He remains available for selection by Zimbabwe at senior level, with Sables head coach Piet Benade previously naming him among the players being tracked ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Reports have also suggested that Ulster were not alone in their interest.

The Stormers were said to be keeping a close eye on Snyman as they look to address a looming gap in their second row following Ruben van Heerden’s expected departure.

Should Ulster secure his signature, it would point to a deliberate decision to inject hardened, top-level experience into their pack.