Cormac Izuchukwu (born 28 January 2000) is an Irish rugby union player who plays lock for Ulster in the United Rugby Championship.
He was born in London to an Irish mother and Nigerian father. He moved to County Offaly when he was 7 where he and his brother and sister were raised by their mother. He started playing rugby with Tullamore RFC in Offaly, before going to Roscrea College, where he played for the first XV in the Leinster Schools Cup quarter-finals. He was offered an opportunity to try out for Connacht at under-19 level, but twisted his ankle and was unable to attend. He signed up to play for Kelso RFC, Scotland as an 18 year old, which included training with Newcastle Falcons.
Club career He joined the Ulster academy ahead of the 2020–21 season, and made his Ulster debut coming in the 63rd minute of 21―7 victory over Ospreys on 26 February 2021. He played in the subsequent games against Glasgow Warriors and Leinster when he received a yellow card.
He signed a two-year contract with the province in April 2021.Adam McKendry, "Academy lock Izuchukwu agrees upgraded two-year deal as Roberts signs first pro contract with Ulster", Belfast Telegraph, 16 April 2021 He was selected for the Emerging Ireland squad for the Toyota Challenge in South Africa in September 2022."Emerging Ireland Squad Named For Toyota Challenge In Bloemfontein", Irish Rugby, 14 September 2022 He was a squad player for Ulster under Dan McFarland, but became a regular starter in the back row in the second half of the 2023–24 season under new head coach Richie Murphy,Rory Keane, "Ulster’s breakout flanker Izuchukwu storms into Ireland mix", Extra.ie, 6 June 2024
International career A highlights video came to the attention of Anthony Eddy at the IRFU, who signed him up for Ireland Sevens.John O'Sullivan, "Cormac Izuchukwu ready to take a giant step with Ulster", The Irish Times, 19 June 2020 He represented Ireland at two sevens competitions in 2019.
His form saw him called up to the Ireland squad for their two-match 2024 summer tour of South Africa."Ireland Squad Update", Irish Rugby, 8 July 2024 He went on to make his debut in a 52–17 win against Fiji scoring a try before it was disallowed for a forward pass in the 2024 Autumn Nations Series.
References
External links Ulster Rugby profile United Rugby Championship profile
Cormac Izuchukwu at FinalWhistle.ie