PREM Rugby target ends speculation by signing new contract at Irish province

The news comes amid sustained speculation linking the 24-year-old with a move to Sale Sharks, who had identified Doak as a potential target as they assess their scrum-half options for next season. Sale have been strongly linked with recruitment at number nine, particularly with uncertainty surrounding Raffi Quirke’s long-term future at the Manchester club.

Even if Quirke remains at Sale, the Sharks have been understood to be in the market for a second-choice scrum-half. Doak’s consistency and game management were seen as a natural complement to Quirke’s more unpredictable, high-risk style — one capable of producing moments of brilliance but not always delivering consistent returns.

However, Doak’s decision to commit his future to Ulster suggests Sale may already have moved on to alternative targets. There is growing belief that the PREM Rugby side have secured their preferred option, with former Sharks captain Faf de Klerk heavily linked with a return to Manchester.

The 34-year-old Springbok is currently back in pre-season training in Japan, but a move back to England has not been ruled out. According to sources at RUCK, Sale are now believed to have won the race for his signature.

For Ulster, retaining Doak represents a major boost as they continue to build momentum during a strong 2025/26 campaign. The Lisburn native is closing in on 100 appearances for his province, having made his senior debut against Munster in January 2021.

He has been one of the standout performers in the URC this season, leading the competition for successful conversions with 19 and ranking second overall for kicking metres. His tactical kicking, control and playmaking have been central to Ulster boasting the most potent attack in the league.

Doak’s form has also been recognised at international level. He was recently named in Ireland’s Senior Men’s squad for the 2025 Summer Tour and has featured in two Ireland ‘A’ fixtures against England and Spain.

A product of the Ulster Academy after starring for Wallace High School, Doak has represented Ireland at Under-18, Under-19 and Under-20 levels, and was part of the Emerging Ireland squad that toured South Africa in 2022.

His continued presence at Ulster extends a family legacy, following in the footsteps of his father Neil Doak, who played scrum-half for the province between 1995 and 2005 before moving into coaching.

Speaking after signing the extension, Doak said: “I’m excited to have re-signed with Ulster for the next two years. I understand the responsibility and significance of wearing this shirt — it means everything to me.

“From my discussions with Rory, he made it clear the direction he sees Ulster going in, and that’s something I want to be part of and believe we can reach.

“I want to help the team keep moving forward while also improving my own game, and I feel Ulster is the best place for me to do that.”

Ulster General Manager Rory Best highlighted the importance of the deal, adding: “Securing Nathan’s future is a key part of our squad planning for the upcoming seasons. His performances this year have been rightly praised, and we are aware of interest from other top clubs.

“Nathan has a lot of experience for someone who has just turned 24 years of age, and I know that Richie and the coaching staff have been impressed by his maturity and development. We are confident that his best years are ahead of him and if he keeps playing in the same vein of form, he will be pushing for national selection in the near future.”