Thursday 23 November 2017 12:33, UK
Ireland prop Marty Moore will join Ulster from Wasps at the end of the season after agreeing a two-year contract.
The 26-year-old tighthead is returning to Ireland in order to boost his chances of an international recall, having not featured for his country since moving to Wasps from Leinster in 2016.
Moore, who was a Six Nations winner with Ireland in 2014 and 2015, has worked under Ulster's director of rugby Less Kiss and head coach Jono Gibbes in the past.
"I'm really looking forward to the challenge of playing for Ulster and it will be brilliant to have the opportunity to work with a few familiar faces," said Moore.
"I know a number of the players pretty well and they speak very highly of the professionalism of the club and the ambition that it has.
We understand Marty's desire to increase his chances of an Ireland recall, being back over in the PRO14 and we will wish him the very best when he leaves to join Ulster.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Wasps so far and I've learned a lot from playing in the Premiership against some quality front row combinations.
"I feel that experience will benefit me massively when I get over to Belfast next summer."
Kiss added: "Marty is someone that I know well from his time with the national side and he's already proven that he's an international-quality player.
"He's a strong scrum and lineout operator, but he also makes positive contributions around the park and that is increasingly important in the modern game.
"At only 26 years of age, I believe that Marty has the potential to get even better and I know that he has the hunger and work ethic to do that.
"He's determined to earn a starting position in a competitive environment here at Ulster, and also put himself back in contention for Ireland selection off the back of strong performances for us."
Moore, who played in Wasps' Champions Cup defeat at Ulster in October, has made 34 appearances for the Aviva Premiership side.
Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said: "We understand Marty's desire to increase his chances of an Ireland recall, being back over in the PRO14 and we will wish him the very best when he leaves to join Ulster.
"Unfortunately, a few injuries have meant that Marty hasn't quite been able to produce the run of performances we know he's capable of, but hopefully if he stays fit there will be plenty more to come from him over the next few seasons.
"I have no doubt that he will give everything he can to Wasps for the remainder of the season."
