New Zealand prop signs for Ulster

Heineken Cup quarter-finalists Ulster have announced the signing of New Zealand prop John Afoa.

The All Blacks and Auckland Blues forward will move to Belfast after this year’s World Cup, having agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal.

Afoa, 27, looks set to be part of the All Blacks’ World Cup squad, having toured Great Britain and Ireland with the national side earlier this season.

Ulster rugby director David Humphreys said: “We have deliberately looked for high-quality, international players in key positions. In John, we believe we’ve got it absolutely right.

“He’s a hugely-talented player, both at set-piece and in the loose, and he will bring a huge amount of Super Rugby and international experience to Ulster.”