Ulster Rugby has today confirmed the signing of back row Nick Williams on a two year contract.
Weighing 120kgs, he is an intimidating presence on the field and is regarded as one of the most explosive ball carriers in Europe.
The 28 year old had a successful career in his homeland, making 37 Super Rugby appearances for the Blues during a four year spell. He also played for North Harbour under new Ulster coach Mark Anscombe in the Air New Zealand Cup.
Williams joined Munster ahead of the 2008/09 campaign and helped them secure the Magners League title in his debut season. He then moved to Italian franchise Aironi and his scoring record of 10 tries in 31 league games underlined his importance to them.
Director of Rugby, David Humphreys, believes Williams will prove to be a major success in Belfast as his side targets success in the Heineken Cup and PRO12.
“Nick was a standout player during his time at Aironi and he will add a great deal to our squad. His addition means there will be real depth right across the back row and this is vital, given that Stephen Ferris is under an IRFU Player Management Programme.
“Mark Anscombe brought him out of club rugby in New Zealand and believes he can make a huge impact here at Ulster. He is an excellent ball carrier and is a very physical in defence,”
So there we go three out of three so far for the Front Row Union this summer only one more to go. Announcement expected Monday.
Other signings announced today see the return of Michael Heaney as a replacement for Ian Porter plus an Irish Qualified Aussie, Sean Doyle, who I’m afraid we don’t know too much about as yet.
Ulster Rugby today announced the signings of scrumhalf Michael Heaney and back row forward Sean Doyle.
Heaney has rejoined the club from Doncaster Knights on a 4 month short term deal, with the opportunity of a full time contract at the end of that period.
A graduate of the Phoenix Ulster Academy, Heaney has represented Ulster at all levels and made his senior debut for the Province in a pre-season friendly away to Harlequins in August 2010. He was a member of the Ireland U20 squad that won the 2010 Six Nations Championship and also competed in the IRB Junior World Championships later that year.
The 21 year old joined Doncaster midway through the 2011/12 season after playing his club rugby in Ulster with Belfast Harlequins.
Doyle is an Australian born openside flanker who has joined from Sydney club side Southern Districts. The Irish-qualified 22 year old has been one of the leading players in the New South Wales Premier Grade over the past four seasons and has also been a strong performer for the NSW ‘A’ representative side.
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