All Black Rush set for Ulster

ULSTER are believed to have pulled off a second big signing in the space of the week, with former All Black back row Xavier Rush set to be Belfast-bound next season.

The Cardiff Blues man will join the Irish province on a two-year deal, according to Wales on Sunday.

The 32-year-old follows Springbok lock Johan Muller – who signed from the Sharks last week – to Ravenhill.

Rush won eight caps for the All Blacks, is a former Blues skipper and is one of the most highly-rated loose forwards in the northern hemisphere, having spent five seasons in the Welsh capital.

Rush, who led the Auckland Blues to the Super 12 title in 2003, was also reportedly on the shopping list of Guinness Premiership clubs Saracens and Worcester Warriors, as well as new Aussie Super 15 franchise Melbourne Rebels.

However, it is understood that the Blues could simply not match the money offered by Brian McLaughlin’s Ulster, who have yet to officially unveil Rush.