Ulster Rugby have confirmed the signing of Leinster flanker Jordi Murphy on a two-year deal beginning next season.
Murphy leaves the three-time European champions after seven seasons at Belfield where he won a European Challenge Cup, a PRO 12 title as well as Leinster's Young Player of the Year award.
The 26-year-old will link up with former Leinster forwards coach Jono Gibbes, whom he worked with for three seasons at Leinster, while he will also link back up with former teammate Marty Moore who has also been confirmed for next season.
Murphy said that the prospect of becoming a more regular fixture in the Ireland setup was a big factor in his decision to leave Leinster.
"It's been an incredibly hard decision to leave Leinster, where I have made some great friends and enjoyed some fantastic times, but I am excited by the prospect of moving north and linking up with some familiar faces," said Murphy.
"Having considered my options at length, I realise that this represents a great opportunity for me to challenge for a position at Ulster and hopefully become a more regular feature in the national set-up.
"Ulster is building a strong squad for next season and I'm really looking forward to the new challenge. However, I am fully focused on contributing as best I can for Leinster for the remainder of the current campaign."
Ulster Director of Rugby Les Kiss said that Murphy has the opportunity to play some of the best rugby of his career at Leinster and that it was important to add to their backrow depth given their history of injuries in that particular area.
"Jordi has been on our radar for the past 12 months and it took a lot of hard work between his agent and Bryn (Cunningam, Operations Director, Ulster Rugby) to get this completed," said Kiss.
"Unsurprisingly, there was a lot of interest in Jordi and we are really pleased that he has chosen to ply his trade here in Belfast.
"The acquisition of Jordi for next season is great news for everyone connected with Ulster Rugby and I believe this move will greatly benefit both parties.
"He's an extremely talented player; an explosive runner and a nuisance at the breakdown, while his versatility allows him to play across the back row. At 26 years of age, we believe Jordi has the potential to play the best rugby of his career at Ulster and that is a hugely exciting prospect.
"As injuries are becoming increasingly common in the modern game, it's imperative that we continue to expand the playing resources we have available. With Marty (Moore) also on board, plus the return to fitness of Marcell Coetzee, we have added some much-needed depth to our pack for next season.
"The increased investment in our Academy forwards is starting to pay off and five of those in our current system - Nick Timoney, Adam McBurney, Aaron Hall, Greg Jones and Matthew Dalton - have played for the senior team already this season. That's another positive sign for the future of rugby in Ulster."
