Ulster have confirmed the signing of powerful South African back-rower Jean Deysel on a two-year contract.
The Springbok joins the northern province after a short but successful stint at domestic rivals Munster where he was brought in as injury cover.
The 32-year-old has four caps for his country and joins the province from the Durban-based Sharks.
"I'm very pleased with this outcome as I think Jean will add real value to our squad both on and off the pitch," said Ulster's Operations Director Bryn Cunningham.
"We had a sizeable list of potential targets, even at this late stage of the season, but we believed Jean would be the best fit because his attributes are exactly what we need moving forward.
Munster's Jean Deysel and Tadhg Beirne of Scarlets. Image: ©INPHO/James Crombie
"He is one of the strongest ball carriers in South African rugby and he really relishes the physical side of the game. He is abrasive and confrontational, with the ball and without the ball, as we have witnessed first-hand for Munster.
"Jean has captained the Sharks a number of times and that leadership ability and added experience will be important for us as we look to nurture some talented young forwards in our pathway."
He joins fellow South Africans Marcell Coetzee and Schalk van der Merwe at the Kingspan Stadium next season.
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