Ulster Rugby fans have something big to look forward to this summer, as the club officially confirmed the signing of Zimbabwean second row Eli Snyman on a two-year deal. The 29-year-old, standing at a towering 2.01 meters and weighing in at 111 kilograms, will make the switch from Italian side Benetton to the Northern Irish province, becoming the first addition to the Ulster squad since Rory Best took over as general manager.
Snyman’s arrival marks a significant moment for Ulster, not just because of his impressive physical stature, but also due to his wealth of experience across three top rugby nations. Born in Zimbabwe, Snyman represented his homeland at age-grade level before joining the Blue Bulls youth programme in South Africa. His early promise saw him progress to the Bulls’ senior squad, where he played in both Super Rugby and the Currie Cup, two of the southern hemisphere’s most competitive tournaments.
In 2019, Snyman’s career took him to Europe, where he joined Benetton in the United Rugby Championship (URC). His robust performances in Italy quickly caught the eye of English Premiership powerhouse Leicester Tigers, who signed him in 2021. Snyman played in half of Leicester’s league fixtures during their 2022 Premiership title-winning campaign, even notching his maiden try in senior professional rugby against Saracens. After helping Leicester to glory, he returned to Benetton in 2023 for a second stint, further bolstering his experience in the URC and adding to his tally of over 100 professional appearances.
For Ulster, Snyman’s signing is more than just a transfer—it’s a statement of intent. Rory Best, the former Ireland and Ulster hooker who recently stepped into the general manager role, was effusive in his praise of the new recruit. “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,” Best told Ulster Rugby’s media. “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.”
Best went on to highlight what Snyman brings to the table: “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.” Ulster’s ambitions are clear—they want to be a force on both domestic and continental fronts, and Snyman’s recruitment is a key part of that vision.
Snyman himself is equally enthusiastic about the move. In his first comments since the announcement, he said, “I’m delighted and extremely grateful to be joining Ulster Rugby. 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 added, “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’s journey to Belfast is a testament to his adaptability and tenacity. After representing Zimbabwe at age-grade level, he took his talents to South Africa—one of the rugby world’s hotbeds—before making a name for himself in both Italy and England. His return to Benetton in 2023 saw him not only help the Treviso-based side strengthen their standing in the BKT United Rugby Championship but also add a unique chapter to his career by being sent off for the first and only time against Edinburgh. It’s clear that Snyman is no stranger to the intensity and demands of top-flight rugby.
Ulster’s decision to bring in Snyman comes at a pivotal time for the club. The province is in the midst of a generational shift, with several talented young locks pushing for regular first-team action. The hope is that Snyman’s leadership, honed across multiple leagues and under various playing styles, will accelerate the development of these emerging stars. As Best put it, “We have a number of talented young locks coming through who will really learn a lot from his leadership and experience.”
Snyman’s physicality and experience are expected to add a new dimension to Ulster’s forward pack—a unit that has already shown glimpses of dominance in the URC this season. His ability to call lineouts, organize defensive mauls, and provide a reliable option at set pieces will be invaluable as Ulster look to compete with the best in Europe. The club’s supporters, always passionate and vocal, will be eager to see how Snyman’s presence translates on the pitch when he arrives in the summer of 2026.
The signing also sends a message to Ulster’s rivals. With the URC and European competitions growing in intensity and quality, securing a player of Snyman’s caliber demonstrates Ulster’s commitment to remaining at the sharp end of the sport. The deal, which runs until the summer of 2028, gives the club a stable platform to build upon in the coming seasons.
Looking back at Snyman’s career, it’s easy to see why Ulster moved quickly to secure his services. His time at Leicester Tigers saw him play a crucial role in a Premiership-winning campaign, while his spells at Benetton and the Bulls have given him a breadth of experience in different rugby cultures. There’s also a sense that Snyman’s best years might still be ahead of him, given his age and the physical demands of his position.
As the countdown to Snyman’s arrival begins, both player and club are setting their sights high. With a new general manager at the helm and a marquee signing in the pack, Ulster fans have every reason to believe that the next chapter could be one of the most exciting yet. The anticipation is palpable—will Snyman’s leadership and physicality be the missing piece in Ulster’s quest for silverware?
For now, supporters can look forward to welcoming a player who brings not just experience and skill, but also a genuine passion for the game and a hunger to succeed in one of rugby’s most storied provinces. With the URC and European campaigns on the horizon, all eyes will be on Belfast as Eli Snyman prepares to make his mark in the famous white jersey.
