ULSTER HAS ANNOUNCED that long-serving lock Kieran Treadwell is to depart the province and rejoin Harlequins at the end of the season.

The 29-year-old first joined Ulster in 2016 after showing potential with the Ireland U18s and England U20s.

The Irish-qualified second row earn 11 caps for Ireland, and was part of the 2022 tour of New Zealand. He was also a member of the 2023 Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam winning side.

Treadwell has made 170 appearances for Ulster.

“I arrived in Belfast eight years ago as a 20-year-old with a chance to represent Ulster and a dream of playing international rugby,” Treadwell said after the move was announced. “I never knew when I arrived how much playing for Ulster would mean to me and how much I would love living here.

“I leave as a man who has represented the province over 170 times and fulfilled my ambition of playing international rugby.

“I met and married my wife Beth in Belfast and made a home here that we look forward to returning to in the future.

“I’ve made friends for life here and had so many amazing experiences on and off the field. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone within Ulster Rugby and the wider community for the time I have had here.

“I leave with immense pride and fond memories of my experiences.

“Thank you, Kieran.”