Connacht and Ireland prop Rodney Ah You is to join Ulster at the end of the season.

Ah You joined Connacht in 2010 and has made more than 100 appearances for the province, making his international debut on the tour of Argentina in 2014 after qualifying for Ireland through residency.

On the announcement he is swapping Galway for Belfast, the 27-year-old said: “I’m really excited about the challenges that lie ahead with Ulster. They are a side with big ambitions and are capable of winning silverware in the very near future.

“I feel that the environment at Ulster will allow me to reach my potential and help me to realise my ambitions in the game. With so many players pushing one another for starting places, it will hopefully spur me on to a new level. I feel, at 27, that my best years are ahead of me and I want to push hard for more international recognition too. With the support of my family, I’m looking forward to making Belfast our new home.

“I want to thank Connacht massively for all the support they have given to me and my family over the past five years. It’s a fantastic club that is currently competing really strongly in the PRO12 and Europe. I hope they continue to grow and wish them well for the future.”

Ulster's Director of Rugby, Les Kiss, said: "We are delighted that Rodney has decided to commit to Ulster as he will add real strength to our front row department. As a 27-year-old prop, there is still room for him to develop and as a coaching group we will endeavour to get the very best out of Rodney.

“As a squad, when you are competing on a number of fronts, it is essential to have depth across all areas to sustain high performance levels throughout the season. It has been pleasing to see that depth develop in recent months, particularly with the emergence of Kyle McCall at loosehead, and this will further enhance our front row resources.”