Paddy Johns has confirmed that he will almost certainly be playing for his former club Dungannon as well as Ulster next season on foot of his decision to return to Irish rugby at the end of this season, his third with Saracens.

"I left Dungannon two years ago to come to English rugby, so although it hasn't been confirmed it is my intention to play for Dungannon next season," said Johns in Edinburgh yesterday.

The announcement of Johns' return home is particularly timely given he will be leading Ireland out tomorrow when making his 50th cap. It is also another notable victory for the IRFU's policy of repatriating Irish internationals - Johns is the 10th to leave the English game since the end of last season for Ireland's professionalised provincial structure.