Horses, farming and a bad injury – McNabney’s rise to Ireland
James McNabney has earned his first Ireland call-up after recovering from a serious knee injury, and could make his debut in November’s Nations Championship fixtures. The 23-year-old Ulster back row’s selection reflects the coaching staff’s confidence in him after an unusual route into rugby and a year away from play.
Raised on a farm in Ballymena, McNabney focused on horses before choosing rugby at 16; he had represented Northern Ireland and Great Britain in equestrian sport. He won Under-20 Six Nations Grand Slams with Ireland in 2022 and 2023, then missed a potential senior call-up after tearing his ACL. Standing 6ft 5in and weighing almost 19 stone, he returned for Ulster in pre-season and may face Argentina, Fiji, South Africa or another November opponent.
In short
- McNabney earns his first Ireland call-up.
- The 23-year-old returned after a year out with an ACL injury.
- He switched from competitive horse riding to rugby at 16.
Explained simply
James McNabney grew up on a farm in Ballymena and competed in equestrian sport for Northern Ireland and Great Britain before turning to rugby at 16. He plays in the back row for Ulster, one of Ireland’s four professional rugby teams.
Ireland’s national side draws players from across the island, and its Under-20 team is a route through which young players can attract attention. McNabney won two Under-20 Six Nations Grand Slams, then missed time with a serious knee injury. His progress matters to Ireland as it builds depth in the back row, where players compete for places in the senior team.