McIlroy’s Ulster sales pitch to Kiwi star Carter

Ulster’s bid to come out fighting following their Heineken Cup exit almost got an unexpected boost at Augusta yesterday after their number one supporter Rory McIlroy made an approach to All Blacks legend Dan Carter.

The New Zealand fly-half, on a six-month sabbatical from rugby having recovered from an Achilles tendon injury, is spending a week at the Masters and tournament favourite McIlroy spotted him working out in a gym at the housing complex where both athletes are staying.

Asked if he tried to sign the best out-half in the world for his native province, McIlroy joked: “I was trying to twist his arm a little bit.