Robert Baloucoune

Robert Baloucoune (born 19 August 1997) is an Irish rugby union player, currently playing for Pro14 and European Rugby Champions Cup side Ulster. He plays as a winger, but can also play at fullback.

Early life

Baloucoune was born in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland; his father is from Senegal. Baloucoune attended Portora Royal School (now Enniskillen Royal Grammar School) and represented Enniskillen RFC in the Ulster Towns Cup, being part of the team that lost the 2017 final to Ballynahinch 2nds.

Ulster

Baloucoune made his senior debut for Ulster in their 36–18 win against Welsh side Dragons on 26 October 2018, in round 7 of the 2018–19 Pro14. He made his European Rugby Champions Cup debut in round 5 of the 2018–19 tournament, starting against French side Racing 92 and scoring a try in Ulster's 26–22 win on 12 January 2019.

Ireland

Baloucoune was selected by Ireland 7s for the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens, where they won the Challenge Trophy by beating Australia 24–14 and finished 9th overall. He was also part of the squad that won the 2018 Rugby Europe Sevens Grand Prix Series, Ireland's first Europe Grand Prix title. Baloucoune's performances for Ireland resulted in him earning a place in Ulster's academy part-way through the 2017–18 season.