Leinster sign Hines

Leinster have announced the signing of Scotland lock Nathan Hines from Perpignan.

The British & Irish Lion has penned a two-year contract with the reigning Heineken Cup champions and is looking forward to plying his trade in Ireland.

"I'm really excited about the opportunity to join a Leinster side that are coming off the back of a successful past few seasons,” Hines enthused.

“When I was with Edinburgh I knew how good a side Leinster were. The games were always hugely competitive and those tussles certainly left a mark.

"Leinster were always a good side but the Magners League and Heineken Cup successes in recent years have bred a new culture and I am determined to work hard and try and become a part of this successful team."

Ireland prop Mike Ross and Bath back Shaun Berne have also penned two-year deals with the province. Ross arrives from Harlequins while Berne, who can play at fly-half or centre, has been prised away from Bath.

Ross, for his part, is hoping that the challenge of trying to nail down a regular berth in the Leinster front row will bring out the best in him.

“ It is an incredible opportunity for me to come back to play in Ireland but I know that the competition will be intense to get into the starting line-up with CJ (van der Linde) and Stan (Wright) here already," he admitted.

"It's a challenge that I'm looking forward to and hopefully I can build on my two Ireland appearances earlier this summer but first and foremost I will have to work hard to break into the Leinster team.

“I owe a great deal to Harlequins for the chance that they gave me, but I felt that now was the right time to return to Ireland and I hope that we can go on and bring even more success to Leinster this season."

Berne, meanwhile, is excited about the prospect of linking up once again with Leinster boss Michael Cheika, whom he previously played under at Randwick in Australia.

"Having been at Bath for the last three years I felt that now was the right time for a new start and a fresh challenge and I'm delighted to join Leinster,” he explained.

“Michael was my coach at Randwick and I'm looking forward to working with him again, but even before the Heineken Cup success in May I was sold on his ambition for the club.

"Obviously now that Leinster are the European champions, it has increased my desire to be a part of a successful team.”

In addition, Cheetahs hooker Richardt Strauss has also agreed to join Leinster, though the exact length of his contract has not been disclosed.

Elsewhere, Leinster Academy graduates Paul O’Donohoe and Jason Harris-Wright have signed professional terms with the province.

Meanwhile, Leo Cullen has been reappointed as Leinster captain for the coming season.

Leinster Squad 2009/10:

Backs: Shaun Berne, Gordon D'Arcy, Girvan Dempsey, Luke Fitzgerald, Shane Horgan, Chris Keane, Rob Kearney, Simon Keogh, Fergus McFadden, Isa Nacewa, Paul O'Donohoe, Brian O'Driscoll, Eoin O'Malley, Eoin Reddan, Jonathan Sexton.

Forwards: Leo Cullen, John Fogarty, Jason Harris-Wright, Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip, Nathan Hines, Trevor Hogan, Bernard Jackman, Shane Jennings, Stephen Keogh, Ronan McCormack, Kevin McLaughlin, Sean O'Brien, Malcolm O'Kelly, Mike Ross, Richardt Strauss, Devin Toner, CJ van der Linde, Stan Wright.