Michael Lowry (rugby union)

Michael Lowry (born 20 August 1998) is an Irish rugby union player from Northern Ireland who plays fullback and out-half for United Rugby Championship and European Rugby Champions Cup side Ulster, and internationally for Ireland. Doubted early on because of his small stature, he has exceptional footwork and acceleration.[2] Ireland coach Andy Farrell describes him as a "nightmare" to play against, praising his explosiveness and bravery.[3]

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Lowry attended Royal Belfast Academical Institution and captained the school to a Medallion Shield and three Ulster Schools' Cups in a row between 2015 and 2017,[4] and represented Ulster at under-17, under-18 and under-19 level, as well as Ireland at under-19 level.[5] After leaving school, he joined the Ulster academy ahead of the 2017–18 season.[6] He debuted for Ireland under-20s in their final match of the 2018 World Rugby Under 20 Championship against Japan, which Ireland won 39–33.[7]

He made his senior debut for Ulster on 29 September 2018, featuring off the bench in the province's 64–7 defeat at the hands of Munster.[8][9] He made his European Rugby Champions Cup debut in Ulster's 24–10 win against English side Leicester Tigers in round 1 of the 2018–19 tournament on 13 October 2018.[10] In 2018–19 he made sixteen appearances, including twelve starts, scored two tries,[1] with 38 defenders beaten and 17 clean breaks.[11] He was named Academy Player of the Season in the 2019 Ulster Rugby Awards.[12] He signed his first senior contract with Ulster in February 2019, joining the senior squad ahead of the 2019–20 season.[13] That season he made seven appearances, including 3 starts,[1] but his season was curtailed by an ankle injury that required surgery.[14] In 2020–21 he made 22 appearances, including 18 starts, scoring 53 points,[1] making 159 carries with 54 defenders beaten and 15 clean breaks, and being named Man of the Match twice.[15] He was named at fullback in the 2020–21 Pro14 Dream Team,[16] and was invited to train with the Ireland squad for the 2021 summer internationals.[17]

In 2021–22 he made 20 appearances, including 15 starts, and scored 22 points.[1] He was called up to the Ireland squad for the 2022 Six Nations Championship,[18] making his debut, and scoring two tries and providing a try assist, against Italy.[19] He was named on the long list for EPCR European Player of the Year for his performances with Ulster in the Champions Cup,[20][21] finishing the competition first in run metres with 770 and joint first for defenders beaten with 29.[22] He was nominated for the Nevin Spence Young Player of the Year award by Rugby Players Ireland,[23] and was named Ulster Rugby Supporters Club Player of the Year.[24] He was called up to the Ireland squad for their 2022 tour of New Zealand.[25]