Craig Gilroy

Biography

Craig Gilroy is one of the most exciting and dynamic young players in Ireland. His preferred position is on the wing but he is equally adept at full back or centre.

After a successful school career winning 2 Schools’ Cups with Methody and representing both Ulster and Ireland Schools, he entered the Ulster Academy. Gilroy’s first season for Ulster, 2010/2011, saw him amass an impressive 8 tries.

Gilroy marked his Ireland debut with a try against Argentina in November 2012 and made appearances in the RBS 6 Nations in 2013, making his debut against Wales in the opening game.

Gained only 1 cap in a three and a half year spell until returning for the tour to South Africa last summer playing in the first 2 tests.

Gilroy was named in the Ireland squad for the opening two rounds of the 2017 6 Nations Championship, the Ulster back has won 10 caps to date.

He became the youngest Ulster player to reach the 100 and 150 cap milestones.

In his last appearance for Ireland in the 6 Nations, Craig famously scored a hat-trick in the game against Italy in Rome on the 11th February 2017, after he replaced Robbie Henshaw in the 47th minute.

In February 2018, Gilroy signed a contract extension with Ulster that will see him stay at the club until 2021.

In September 2018 Gilroy became Ulster’s top try scorer in Celtic League history when he scored his 51st try versus Edinburgh. By the beginning of the 2019-20 season, Gilroy became Ulster’s most-capped player in the senior squad.