UK: Ulster sign towering Zimbabwean Eli Snyman on two-year deal; he joins from Italian side Benetton

By Agencies

Ulster Rubgy club have confirmed the signing of Zimbabwean second row Eli Snyman on a two-year deal.

The 29-year-old will join the province in the summer when he leaves Italian side Benetton.

Snyman becomes Ulster’s first signing since Rory Best was appointed general manager in October.

“He is a player with a really strong and unique physical profile and, at 29 years of age, is very much in the peak years of his career,” said Best.

“We have a number of talented young locks coming through who will really learn a lot from his leadership and experience he has gained over his career.

“I’m sure supporters will be as excited as I am to see the authority and commanding presence he will bring to our forward pack, as we look to challenge in both the URC and European competitions.”

The Blue Bulls graduate rejoined Benetton in 2023 for his second spell at the club after a successful season at English Premiership side Leicester Tigers.

Snyman added that he was delighted to be joining the side “that have been playing some of the most attractive rugby” in United Rugby Championship.

“I’m delighted and extremely grateful to be joining Ulster Rugby,” he said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to join a side that has been playing some of the most attractive rugby in the URC this season.

“Watching how the team has performed has made me really excited to be part of what is being built here.”

He continued; “In my conversations with Rory Best, he outlined a clear vision for the coming years and how my experience can add value to a very talented group of young Irish forwards.

“To the Ulster supporters, I can’t wait to meet you all very soon and become part of the Ulster Rugby family.”

Snyman, who is a towering 2.01 metres tall and weighs 111kgs, represented Zimbabwe at age grade level before joining the Blue Bulls youth programme in South Africa.

He would go on to play for the Bulls in Super Rugby and the Currie Cup before joining Benetton in 2019.

After an impressive spell with the Italian side, Snyman made a high profile move to English PREM side, Leicester Tigers, in 2021, playing in half of the league fixtures in the team’s 2022 Premiership title-winning campaign.

During his time there, Snyman claimed his maiden try in senior pro rugby against Saracens.

He rejoined Benetton in 2023 and was sent off for the first and only time in his career against Edinburgh in his first season back in green and white.