Ireland star Murphy on move

IRELAND back row Jordi Murphy is to join Ulster next summer on a two-year deal. Murphy will leave current club Leinster at the end of the season.

The 26-year-old has just returned to action following a serious knee injury and made his 18th international appearance against Fiji in November.

“It’s been an incredibly hard decision to leave Leinster, where I have made some great friends and enjoyed some fantastic times, but I am excited by the prospect of moving north and linking up with some familiar faces,” Murphy said on the Ulster website.

“Having considered my options at length, I realise that this represents a great opportunity for me to challenge for a position at Ulster and hopefully become a more regular feature in the national set-up.

“Ulster is building a strong squad for next season and I’m really looking forward to the new challenge. However, I am fully focused on contributing as best I can for Leinster for the remainder of the current campaign.”

Director of rugby Les Kiss feels Murphy will prove a valuable asset to the Ulster squad, which will also be boosted by the pending arrival of Wasps prop Marty Moore.

“The acquisition of Jordi for next season is great news for everyone connected with Ulster Rugby and I believe this move will greatly benefit both parties,” Kiss said.

Bath have announced that they have acquired the services of highlyrated Argentina prop Lucas Noguera, who has joined them from the Jaguares.

A destructive force at the scrum and effective carrier around the field, the 24-year-old loosehead will arrive at the club this week.