0
![Not allowed!](images/buttons/down_dis.png)
![Not allowed!](images/buttons/up_dis.png)
This was in the Belfast Telegraph on the 2nd of March, so it may well be that Bartholomeusz is the European based player the Force are talking too as, in theory at least, he is out of contract at this point.
Bart would be a very timely addition to the team and would be as close to full match fitness as any other player going around at the moment.
Bartholomeusz to sign for Ulster...maybe!
By Gavin Mairs
02 March 2006
RUGBY
Former Wallaby centre Mark Bartholomeusz will complete his signing for Ulster in the next couple of days.
The former ACT Brumbies player, who is highly versatile having played every position in the backline apart from scrum-half, is leaving Saracens and is expected to become the second new face in Mark McCall's squad for next season.
"We have been talking to Mark," said Ulster's chief executive Michael Reid.
"He is leaving Saracens and I would be hopeful that the deal will be done soon.
"Players who are involved with Ireland in the summer tour and World Cup preparation are likely to miss up to eight to 10 Celtic League games next season. Mark has the ability to come into the side at a number of positions in the backline, positions he has played in both the Super 12 and English Premiership."
Bartholomeusz tasted Super 12 success with the Brumbies in 2002 and in the same season was capped for the Wallabies against Italy.
The 28-year-old has played most of his rugby at 15 for Saracens, but has also played centre and out-half in his 45 appearances for the English club. He has an Irish passport which means he will not be regarded as one of the two foreign players allowed in the Heineken Cup.
Bart would be good. A player of his standing would be worth signing for the longer term IMHO. He's only 28 and we are a bit light on in that area, regardless of the injuries.
Another experienced player said to be looking to get back into a Super 14 team and eyeing off any offers from the Force is Luke Inman who is playing in the Sevens this week:
LUKE INMAN
Club (State): Sydney Uni (NSW)
Position: Outside Centre
Nickname: Duke
Height: 192cm Weight: 98kg
Date and place of birth: 27/12/77, Sydney
Home town/suburb: Yowie Bay
How did you first get into Rugby: Aged 16 at Waverly College, and also played Rugby League as a junior from ages 7-15
Secondary school: Waverly College
Tertiary Education: Bachelor of Medical Science with honours and Bachelor of Medicine/Surgery- DABBS currently in fourth year
Junior club (s): De La Salle, Waverly College
Senior club (s): Sydney University
Representative honours:
1999- Australian Universities
2001- Sydney University 1st XV Premiers
2001- Selected Australia A v British Lions (ruled out with injury)
2000-02 - NSW Waratahs (14 Super 12 Caps and 6 State Caps)
2003-05 - Australian Sevens
IRB Sevens Tournaments 2003 - Dubai, George 2004 - Wellington, LA, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bordeaux, Dubai, George. 2005 - Wellington, Los Angeles, Hong Kong. 2005 - Dubai, George
Best moments: Super 12 debut for the NSW Waratahs v Chiefs in 2001
At 27, Luke is the senior member of the Australian Sevens team and is also a budding surgeon. He played junior Rugby League before starting his Rugby Union career as a 16 year old at Waverley College. He was in the starting lineup for the NSW Waratahs for every match of the 2001 season, including all 11 Super 12 matches and the tour match against the British Lions. By the end of 2002 he had fallen out of favour with NSW selectors but was offered a contract with the Queensland Reds for 2004. This left him with a tough decision, as he was unable to transfer his medical studies from Sydney University to Brisbane, and he opted to remain in Sydney to study. Since then he has become a fixture in the Sydney University backline. He played a major role in their successful Tooheys New Cup campaign in 2005 and picked up the club's Best Back award for his efforts. When not playing rugby or studying medicine, Luke is a keen surfer.
Saw him last night - he is a big fella... I think it all depends on being able to continue to study over here.....
Just announced via Fox:
"ULSTER has signed utility back Mark Bartholomeusz on a two-year contract from Premiership side Saracens.
The 28-year-old, who has one Australia Test cap, will line up for the province next season. He joined Sarries in September 2003 from the ACT Brumbies."
Unfortunately another player lost to Australian Rugby in his prime.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
You'd think these guys would want to put something back into Australian rugby like helping building up the Force for example.