Ulster confirm Botha signing

Ulster have announced the signing of South African international Arno Botha on a two-year deal.

Botha, who can operate as a flanker or number eight, has spent his entire career with Super Rugby franchise the Bulls but he has agreed a deal with Ulster that will see him move to the province at the conclusion of the 2017 Super Rugby campaign.

Having captained South Africa Under-20s in the 2011 World Championship, the 25-year-old made his senior debut against Italy in June 2013.

He has overcome injuries to be appointed vice-captain of the Bulls and Ulster director of rugby Les Kiss believes his leadership will be invaluable to the province.

"Arno was tipped to be a future Springboks captain from a young age but his career was somewhat curtailed by injuries after he made his international debut in 2013. Those injuries are behind him now and he has regained his best form over the past 12 months," Kiss explained.

"His leadership and abrasiveness will be key attributes for us over the next couple of seasons. He is very aggressive in attack and his ability to get over the gainline will be especially good for us. Arno is also strong in defence, he's a nuisance at the breakdown and he's a good lineout option, so he has a very well-rounded game.

"He is an ambitious young man and he is determined to make an impact with us. He is a serious competitor who is willing to work hard to earn his jersey. I believe he will settle well in our environment and become a huge fan favourite here at Kingspan Stadium.

"Bryn Cunningham and myself have been working hard to add quality and depth to our squad for next season, particularly up front, and Arno is a great addition in that respect. Marcell (Coetzee) is yet to play for us so he will almost be like a new signing too. In the coming weeks, we will announce a further addition to strengthen the forward pack, as well as the retention of some of our high-profile current players."

Meanwhile, scrum-half John Cooney will move from inter-provincial rivals Connacht at the end of the season.

Cooney began his career at Leinster, making 27 appearances for the province, before moving to Connacht ahead of the 2014-15 season.

Since his move to the Sportsground the 26-year-old has won 30 caps and he will be hoping the move North will help him achieve his dream of playing for Ireland.

"I'm delighted to be joining Ulster. My mum lived in Belfast for a few years and she really enjoyed the city so that made my decision a lot easier," Cooney said.

"Les Kiss was a big factor is my move too as he's so well-respected and I believe I can develop my game under his coaching. I spoke with him at length a few times about his hopes for Ulster Rugby and it sounds like an exciting time to be involved in the set-up.

"I loved my time in Galway and it re-energised my career, but I felt it was the right time for a fresh challenge. I have aspirations to play international rugby but first and foremost my focus will be on earning the starting scrumhalf position at Ulster."

Kiss added: "Having searched domestically and abroad for the best available Irish-qualified scrumhalf, John was undoubtedly our number 1 target and we're delighted that he'll come on board from this summer. Bryn (Cunningham) has been on the ball throughout this process and has been working quietly in the background to ensure the deal was completed successfully," he said.

"John has had a couple of unfortunate niggles which have restricted his game-time, but what really impressed me is his attitude and competitive approach in coming here to Ulster and wanting to earn a starting jersey on a weekly basis. He is a driven person who wants to develop his game and he certainly has the attributes to do so. I know from speaking with the Irish management team that they also rate him very highly and he has the potential to play international rugby.

"He is a great talent; threatening in attack, strong in defence, has a good kicking game and excellent game management skills. I think he will really suit the style of play that we will play next season, with a strong mobile pack and an exciting backline.

"Our pack will be strengthened by a couple of additions next season and they should help to provide the platform for our scrumhalves and outside backs to thrive."

eir Sport channels are available across the eir Vision, Sky and Vodafone TV platforms as well as on the eir Sport app. All 6 channels in the eir Sport pack are available for free if you are a residential eir broadband customer.