David Shanahan (born 20 June 1993) is an Irish professional rugby union player who plays scrum-half for Ulster.
He attended Belvedere College in Dublin,Des Berry, "Ex-Belvedere scrum-half Shanahan to make first start", Irish Independent, 14 January 2017 and played for Ireland at U18, U19 and U20 level, but did not win a place in the Leinster academy. Ulster's then forwards coach Allen Clarke, who had coached him at under-age international level, persuaded him to join Ulster's academy, and he was assigned to club side BallymenaCiaran Donaghy, "Shanahan making good progress to maintain his position on radar", Belfast Newsletter, 25 September 2014 while studying at Queen's University Belfast.Dave Shanahan profile at RTÉ Sport
He made his debut for Ulster while still in the academy in 2013,"Ulster Rugby squad: Injured Nick Williams and Ian Porter ruled out of Edinburgh match", Belfast Telegraph, 22 November 2013 and his first start in 2017, in place of the injured Ruan Pienaar.Jonathan Bradley, "Youngster Shanahan handed his first start in win or bust clash", Belfast Telegraph, 14 January 2017 Under previous coach Dan McFarland, he mainly acted as backup to John Cooney."'I have eight minutes, I'd better not screw up': Shanahan powering through pivotal season", The42, 22 March 2019
Ulster describe him as "a livewire scrum-half known for his speed, excellent support lines, and try-scoring ability"."Shanahan, Postlethwaite and Moxham commit to Ulster as Moore signs on", Ulster. Rugby, 1 February 2022 Out-half Ian Madigan calls him "Ulster's unsung hero".Jonathan Bradley, "Flashbacks, free weekends and fans - Five talking points from Ulster's friendly defeat to Saracens", Belfast Telegraph, 4 September 2021
He made his 100th appearance for Ulster against Benetton in November 2025."Match Report | Ulster 47-13 Benetton", Ulster Rugby, 28 November 2025 He left Ulster at the end of the 2025-26 season."Ulster Rugby confirm senior players to leave at end of 2025/26 season", Ulster Rugby, 15 May 2026
References
External links Ulster Rugby profile United Rugby Championship profile
David Shanahan at FinalWhistle.ie