By David Hunter
Ulster Rugby has announced that Ireland's back row Jordi Murphy will join the Province next summer on a two-year deal.
The 26 year-old has agreed to move to Kingspan Stadium ahead of the 2018/19 season after gaining significant interest from a number of clubs.
The announcement follows last month's confirmation that Wasps prop Marty Moore will also join the Province.
Jordi said: "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.
"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.”
Director of Rugby, Les Kiss said the Leinster star had been on the radar for the past year.
"It took a lot of hard work between his agent and Ulster 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.