Brilliant signing.

Former Leinster prop Marty Moore has agreed a deal to return to Ireland at the end of the season with Ulster Rugby, signing a two-year deal with the province.

26 year-old Moore moved to Wasps just over 18 months ago, after four-years with Leinster. His move came as a huge shock at the time, with Moore very much beginning to become an integral part of the Irish set-up.

He has previously stated that he still has ambitions to play for Ireland, and while the likes of Tadhg Furlong and John Ryan have stepped up in his absence, tighthead props are still a high commodity.

His move now puts him back in the frame for Ireland from next season, giving Schmidt some even more depth for the 2018 Rugby World Cup.

Commenting on his move to Kingspan Stadium, Moore said:

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of playing for Ulster and it will be brilliant to have the opportunity to work with a few familiar faces. I know a number of the players pretty well and they speak very highly of the professionalism of the club and the ambition that it has.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Wasps so far and I’ve learned a lot from playing in the Premiership against some quality front row combinations. I feel that experience will benefit me massively when I get over to Belfast next summer.”

Director of Rugby, Les Kiss is looking forward to welcoming Moore into his squad:

“This is a massive boost to our programme for next season and I must commend Bryn (Operations Director, Bryn Cunningham) for getting this deal tied up so early.

“Marty is someone that I know well from his time with the national side and he’s already proven that he’s an international-quality player. He’s a strong scrum and lineout operator, but he also makes positive contributions around the park and that is increasingly important in the modern game.

“At only 26 years of age, I believe that Marty has the potential to get even better and I know that he has the hunger and work ethic to do that. He’s determined to earn a starting position in a competitive environment here at Ulster, and also put himself back in contention for Ireland selection off the back of strong performances for us.

“The signing of Marty adds further quality and depth to our senior squad, while we are continuing to invest in our Academy programme, where 13 of the 19 young players are forwards.”