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Ulster chief Logan expecting to recruit out-half 'sooner rather than later'

Logan also revealed that the northern province will play 11 home matches and 10 away in the season ahead.

ULSTER CEO SHANE Logan is ‘hopeful’ of adding a new out-half to his team’s personnel as the new Pro14 season looms closer.

Ulster Rugby / YouTube

The province and the IRFU have relieved Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding (both capable of playing number 10) of their playing responsibilities while they focus on legal matters.

Their absence for the foreseeable future leaves Jono Gibbes’ side with just Brett Herron and 20-year-old Jonny McPhillips as recognised out-half options. John Cooney, Peter Nelson and Luke Marshall specialise in other positions, but are capable of filling in at number 10.

However, Logan hinted that their ranks will soon be added to when speaking on a video released by Ulster Rugby today.

“We’ve been looking at recruitment in the fly-half position, as we do for all key positions, for well over a year. We’ve had our radar out there,” Logan says on the team’s YouTube channel.

This is a difficult time to recruit when pretty much everyone is in contract, but we’re hopeful of making a positive announcement sooner rather than later.”

Logan also moved to welcome today’s long-expected addition of two new teams to turn the Pro12 into the Pro14. And while the official fixture list will not be drip-fed out until next week by the league, Logan revealed that his side will have 11 home matches this season.

“The addition of the South Africans will bring us on another big stride to a new level.

“For Ulster, we’ll have 11 home games, 10 away. We’ve a very exciting pool and we’re very excited to welcome two South African sides here.

“The South Africans have captured our hearts and emotions. We’ve more South Africans playing for us than any team in the Pro12. We know the quality of rugby, we know the excitement it brings and we’re delighted the Pro12, now Pro14, product moves on to a different level.”

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