OUT-HALF IAN Humphreys has, for the second time in his career, re-signed with his native province of Ulster.
The 32-year-old has agreed to a two-year contract as a second spell in England is coming to a premature end, two years before his current London Irish deal is set to expire.
Having left the province as first choice number 10, the academy product returns with Paddy Jackson an international and a senior figure (in deed if not in age) in the northern province’s back-line. The ex-Leicester and London Irish playmaker, however, is keen to provide stiff competition to his successor.
“I am realistic,” Humphreys said in a statement today, “I know that Paddy Jackson is one of the best young players in Ireland, but I am competitive. It is up to me to push him and hopefully that will bring out the best in both of us.”
He added: “I have loved my time at London Irish but when the unexpected opportunity to come home arose, it was a very easy decision to make. My wife and I are very much family people and we enjoy being in Northern Ireland.
“It is exciting to be coming back to Ulster, to be part of a squad that is challenging in Europe and that is at the top of the RaboDirect Pro12 every year. As well as a strong team, Ravenhill has been transformed since I left two years ago.
“Everyone in the Premiership has heard about it and seen pictures of the new facilities. It is just phenomenal how good the new stadium is.”
Of course, Humphreys’ older brother David is a key figure at the province as a Director of Rugby, but he made it clear that his brother’s role will become most important when Jackson is called into international duty.
“He has learned a great deal in the past two seasons working with coaches like Brian Smith and Shaun Edwards and that knowledge can only benefit the young players we have coming through.
“With Paddy Jackson playing an increasingly important role with Ireland, Ian gives us another option at outhalf, something which is highly important if the team is going to be successful in the future.
“I am delighted that he has rejoined Ulster.”
Don’t think it will worry Jackson they don’t have a fly half apart from Jackson need someone on the bench
Yeah he’s definitely a backup, but he began the year as number 1 when Ulster went to the Heineken Cup final, and plenty felt he should’ve started that game.
With Niall O’Connor and James McKinney not staking great claims over the last few seasons, they’ve gone and signed a player who has gotten the job done for them before. Also, as great a 9 as he is, Pienaar hasn’t exactly shone as a 10 (not to say he’s been bad, but clearly a world class 9 who should be playing that position instead) so the need for a proper fly-half is clear.
Given that Jackson will know he is still number 1, and Ian knows he’s not going to be starting ahead of him, I don’t see it as anything other than a great move. 1) Ulster fill a need, 2) with a known quantity, 3) without upsetting any egos or compromising Jackson’s growth and 4) allowing Pienaar to play his best position when Jackson is off the field.
All around great news as far as I can see.
He was under contract with the Not Nots so wonder if Ulster had to buy him out.
Right you are, I’ve added that in now.
Was 10 both for Leicester and Ulster when they beat Munster at thomand ,seriously underrated playmaker
Exactly, solid player. Great in attack and kicking wise but maybe a little soft in defence at times.
Maybe???? And at times???? The guy has a yellow streak down his back. Great with ball in hand but my dead grandmother would be more effective in a defensive line than Humps Jr.
Any word of Sean O’Hagan’s signature
Shrewd back- up signing. Mustn’t forget he had a great understanding with Pienaar which can only bode well going fwd….
If Ian Humphreys has been bought out of contract, then it is likely he is coming back to provide a challenge to more than PJ. If he was just cover then Gareth Steenson would have done a job. Late run for world cup squad?
I doubt London Irish were desperate to keep hold of him, he’s definitely only going to be back up, like he was there