Ulster break the bank to land free-scoring All Black Charles Piutau

Ulster have broken into their bank vault to sign All Blacks scoring machine Charles Piutau with a reputed £1million-plus two-year deal.

The 23-year-old Piutau is rated as one of New Zealand’s hottest rising stars and his sudden plans for a post-World Cup move comes as a major shock to the current World champions.

It was thought the Auckland Blues utility back was poised to re-sign within the next two weeks, but Ulster clearly made him an offer he couldn’t refuse and the deal will be seen as the first major signing by Ireland assistant Les Kiss, who will take over as head coach at Ulster when the World Cup finishes.