Afoa confirms Ulster move

ALL BLACKS and Blues prop John Afoa will join Ulster after the World Cup.

Afoa, who has played 30 tests for the Men in Black since 2005, has agreed to terms on a two and a half-year deal with the Irish province.

He is a direct replacement for former Springboks bookend BJ Botha, who is currently sidelined with an elbow injury.

“I’ve done my research and can’t help but be impressed at how the Ulster Squad is developing,” said Afoa.

“There’s seems to be a good mix of local and overseas players and I’m very much looking forward to playing my part in that.”

As well as playing for the All Blacks and the Blues, the 27-year-old has also represented New Zealand at Schools, Under 19 and 21 levels.

Ulster’s director of rugby David Humphreys labelled Afoa’s signing as a major coup for the club.

“He’s a hugely talented player, both at set piece and in the loose and he will bring a huge amount of Super Rugby and international experience to Ulster,” he said.

Meanwhile, several key All Blacks players – Dan Carter, Mils Muliaina, Richie McCaw and Cory Jane – are yet to reveal if they will sign with overseas clubs after the World Cup

Jane told the Dominion Post earlier this week that he had asked for more time to mull over an overseas offer and it is understood that Muliaina is on the cusp of confirming he will play in Japan as of next year.