By Richard O'Reilly
Charles Piutau has agreed to join Championship outfit Bristol at the end of the upcoming season.
Piutau joined the province a year ago, picking up the Guinness PRO12 Player of the Year and Bank of Ireland Ulster Player of the Year awards in his debut season.
The 25 year old made 17 appearances and was the club's top try-scorer, touching down 9 times.
When he heads across the water in a years time, Piutau will join up with his brother Siale, something Piutau called 'the biggest consideration in my decision'.
Speaking on his current club's website on his, Piutau said: "It was a very hard decision as I have really enjoyed my first year at Ulster. The welcome that I had and the way I have been looked after has been the best of any club I've been at. The management and players really made me feel part of the family and that will make it extremely hard to leave when the time comes.
Piutau to join Bristol Rugby at the end of the 2017/18 season
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) August 10, 2017
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"I love Ulster and I've enjoyed learning about the history and culture of the Province. I must say a big thank you to the Ulster fans, who genuinely love the club and show unwavering support to the players. It is the first time that I have experienced supporters who are so passionate and loyal. The atmosphere on match nights at Kingspan Stadium is top of the list of things I'll miss.
Piutau also said while he's sad his Ulster career will come to an end next summer, he added he is '100% focused' on ensuring he ends his time at Ulster on a high.