AFTER MUCH SPECULATION on Tuesday, Ulster today confirmed the signing of Leinster and Ireland back row Jordi Murphy.

The 26-year-old has agreed to the move to the Kingspan Stadium next summer and he follows in the footsteps of Marty Moore who joined the province last month.

The 18-times capped Ireland international will end his seven-year association with Leinster in a switch that demonstrates his desire to add to those appearances.

Commenting on the move, Murphy said:

“”It’s been an incredibly hard decision to leave Leinster, where I have made some great friends and enjoyed some fantastic times, but I am excited by the prospect of moving north and linking up with some familiar faces.

“Having considered my options at length, I realise that this represents a great opportunity for me to challenge for a position at Ulster and hopefully become a more regular feature in the national set-up.”

Speaking to Leinster’s website this morning, head coach Leo Cullen said:

“Jordi is a hugely talented player and a very popular member within our squad.

It is to his enormous credit that he has come back as strong as he has from his knee injury last year in Ireland’s famous win over the All Blacks in Chicago.

“We respect Jordi’s decision to move and everyone at Leinster wishes him the very best with his future.”

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