O'Connor to join Ulster

Niall O'Connor will join Ulster after an agreement was made to release him early from his two-year Connacht contract.

With Miah Nikora, Matthew Jarvis and Academy star Jack Carty in situ, and the imminent arrival of Dan Parks, Connacht are well served at outhalf for next season.

Speaking of the move O'Connor said: "I am very grateful to Eric and everyone at Connacht Rugby for making me feel so welcome this year and though I'm happy to be moving back to my home province I will miss being part of the club, especially with the Heineken Cup returning to Galway next season."

"I have enjoyed my time in Connacht and made a lot of great friends. They are team on the up and wish everyone every success next year."

Irish-qualified hooker Rob Herring will also arrive in Belfast, from Western Province, where he was involved in their Vodacom Cup squad.

The 22-year-old South African enjoyed a brief stint with London Irish before returning to his native South Africa.

The 16st 3lbs hooker joined the London Irish Academy in 2009 and made his senior debut against Northampton in May 2010. He will provide competition for Rory Best, Nigel Brady and Niall Annett.

Hailing from Limavady, Co Derry, O'Connor will be re-joining the Ulster side where he earned 51 caps after gaining his first academy contract in 2007.

Niall joined Connacht at the start of the 2011/12 season on a two-year deal and to date has appeared 20 times for the province, including five of Connacht's Heineken Cup pool games.

He has scored 119 points this season and his last appearance was against Edinburgh in February where his personal haul of 11 points helped to secure an important Connacht victory in the Sportsground.

Connacht head coach Eric Elwood wished him well saying: "Niall was instrumental in our first ever Heineken Cup campaign and has been a terrific player for us this season.

"Both on and off the pitch Niall has been an absolute professional a great asset to our club and we'd all like to wish him the very best in his return to Ulster."