Ruaidhri Murphy set for summer return to Ireland after signing deal with Ulster
Irish prop Ruaidhri Murphy will return home this summer after signing a two-year deal to join Ulster from the Brumbies.
Last Updated: 17/02/14 12:23pm
Murphy, 26, will replace London Irish-bound Tom Court and will allow Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt to take a closer look at the Dublin-born front-rower.
"When I was deciding my future, it came down to joining Ulster or staying with the Brumbies," said Murphy. who came through the Leinster academy before moving to Exeter and then the Brumbies.
"The Brumbies are a fantastic franchise and Canberra is a brilliant place to live, but I am Irish, I have an Irish family and I have always had the urge to return to Ireland one day and to play my rugby back home.
"Ulster are a quality team: they are currently one of the leading sides in Europe and their fans are famous around the world.
"I spoke to [Ulster rugby director] David Humphreys about the vision that he has for Ulster - he has huge ambition and big aims for the team. That is exciting and I hope that I can play a part in bringing those aims to reality."
Boss Humphreys said Murphy will bolster Ulster's pack next season.
"Ruaidhri is a highly-talented young Irish prop whose experience of Super Rugby will bring an extra dimension to our front row next season," he said.
"I am delighted that he is joining us and I have no doubt that he will be a huge success at Ravenhill in the coming years."