All Black prop Afoa ready for Ulster action

ULSTER’S latest signing arrived at Belfast airport yesterday with a confident pep in his step.

And no wonder, All Black John Afoa had a World Cup medal in his back pocket.

Although bleary eyed from the long journey from Auckland via LA he is expected to feature for Ulster when they take on Connacht at Ravenhill tomorrow (5.35pm).

The 28-year-old All Blacks prop, who played in the World Cup winners’ victories over Japan and Argentina, had not been expected to arrive until after the first two rounds of Heineken Cup games against Clermont Auvergne and Leicester Tigers.

The Auckland Blues had been expected to delay his debut due until after Christmas due to a binding contract but Ulster’s Director of Rugby, David Humphreys, quietly negotiated an early release, much to the relief of a delighted McLaughlin.

“I’ve done my research and can’t help but be impressed at how the Ulster squad is developing,” said Afoa.

“There’s a good mix of local and overseas players and I’m looking forward to playing my part in that.”

Picture: SAFE LANDING: Ulster’s new All Black signing John Afoa arriving at Belfast Airport yesterday. Picture: Inpho/Presseye/Matt Mackey