ULSTER RUGBY HAVE signed another experienced South African second row in Franco van der Merwe to replace captain Johann Muller who will retire next month.
And as the lock signs his two-year-contract, the red hand is set to wave goodbye to Paddy McAllister who will sign his own 24-month deal elsewhere.
The 24-year-old loosehead has signed with French side Aurillac until 2016. Jeremy Davidson’s side already boast ex-Ulster players such as Nigel Brady and Conor Gaston.
Van der Merwe, 31, has played the majority of his professional rugby with the Johannesburg-based Lions Super Rugby side.
The Springbok hopes to recover from an ankle injury before the end of the season and reach a landmark 100 Super Rugby appearances from his current haul of 97.
”I’ve signed a two year deal,” Van Der Merwe told SuperSport.com, “my wife and I feel that it is the right time for a career change, hopefully we can experience a new culture and lifestyle. It’s been something we’ve discussed for a while now and there really hasn’t been a time to do it before now.
“There are a few South Africans up there, so I’m looking forward to meeting up with them and making new friends in a different culture.”
While the lock has found himself marginalised from the wider Springbok squad since winning his sole cap last summer, he feels he can follow Ruan Pienaar’s route and sustain a claim to an international jersey despite the geographical challenges.
“It is still my dream to represent my country and in one way that is a good thing with this move – Ulster are a strong club in the Northern Hemisphere, and my rugby can only go forward by playing in such an environment.”
