ULSTER HAVE ANNOUNCED the signing of Australian Sam Windsor from Worcester Warriors on a one-year contract.
The 27-year-old will join the northern province in the summer and provide depth in the out-half position next season, with Paddy Jackson potentially heading for the World Cup with Ireland in September and October.
Windsor is Irish-qualified through his parents and spent some time with Matt O’Connor’s Leinster last season, appearing for the province’s ‘A’ side on a number of occasions while also playing club rugby with Trinity.
The out-half was previously a member of the Brumbies academy in his native Australia, the same club O’Connor played for and coached in the past.
Windsor was contracted by Blackheath in England’s third-tier National One league from 2010 to 2012, before he returned to Australian club rugby.
Following short-term contract with Leinster, the 92kg playmaker joined the NSW Country Eagles in Australia’s inaugural National Rugby Championship in 2014, guiding the side into the semi-finals with some strong performances.
The out-half’s 88 points in that competition made him second on the list of top points scorers, behind only Jack Debreczeni, now playing Super Rugby with Tony McGahan’s Melbourne Rebels.
Windsor joined Dean Ryan’s Worcester – who have Irishmen Niall Annett and Darren O’Shea on their books – as recently as December, but a dislocated shoulder while playing for the club’s A side soon after arriving means he has yet to make a first-team appearance.
“Sam is an intelligent and very professional individual, evident in his play from the outside half position,” said Ulster team manager Bryn Cunningham of the new addition.
“Possessing the full skill requirement, it is his control of the game that we have been most impressed with.
“At 27 he has the experience to make an impact within the squad right from the off and we are fully expecting him to challenge for a starting position within the squad.
“Having a ten who can release the quality outside backs we have at our disposal is absolutely key and Sam is the type of player that reads the game well and has the passing requirements to put people into space.”
