James McNabney is a powerful back-row forward from Ballymena, Northern Ireland, who progressed through the Ulster Rugby pathway after playing his schools rugby at Cambridge House Grammar School. Nicknamed ‘Horse’, he developed through the Ulster and Ireland age-grade programmes, establishing himself as a promising young forward.
McNabney was a member of Ireland’s Under-20 side that won Grand Slams in both 2022 and 2023. His performances at age-grade level helped pave the way for his progression into senior rugby, and he made his Ulster debut against Glasgow Warriors in November 2023, impressing at number eight.
Known for his strong ball carrying, physical presence and work rate, McNabney continued to develop with Ulster and was named the province’s Young Player of the Year. In 2025, he was included in Ireland’s senior Six Nations squad as a development player, marking an important step in his international career.
Career
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Ulster Rugby No. 8 |
2023 - present |
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Ireland No. 8 |
2025 - present |
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Ireland U20's No. 8 |
2022 - 2024 |
