Rugby news:Having already secured new deals with Ian Humphreys and Ryan Caldwell last week, Ulster today started their recruitment drive for next season with the signing of South Africa's Johann Muller.
The Springbok second row will link up with the province at the end of the current season having agreed a two-year deal.
Muller has won 23 caps with South Africa, the most recent coming during the Lions tour last year, and will link up with his former international teammate BJ Botha.
"A lineout specialist and respected captain, Johann will add a hard edge to a pack that, under Brian McLaughlin and Jeremy Davidson, has become increasingly competitive over the past few months,” Ulster’s director of rugby, David Humphreys, said this morning.
" A lot has been spoken about the potential and the youth of this current Ulster squad and we are committed to signing foreign players who, like Johann, have the ability to improve our performances on the pitch but also help develop these young players into Ulster and Ireland stars of the next decade."
Muller, who spent 12 years with the Sharks, is looking forward to a new challenge.
"My family and I are really looking forward to our new life in Ulster, and reuniting with my old friend BJ and his family.
"I am very excited by this opportunity to play for a club with such a rich rugby tradition and awesome support.”