Bok lock in Ulster's sights
Sat, 30 Jan 2010 10:49
Veteran Sharks and Springbok lock Johann Muller has become the latest target for Irish provinces raiding the World Cup champions, South Africa's, resources.
The Irish Independent reports that Ulster are "on the verge" of signing the 29-year-old Muller, capped 23 times for the Boks - the last of those internationals in the 9-28 loss to the British and Irish Lions in Johannesburg last July.
The newspaper does not say when Muller will join the Irish province, but the burly second row forward is at the start of a Super 14 season with the Durban-based Sharks and won't be available till at least the end of May.
That means he is likely to only move to Ireland for the 2010/11 Northern Hemisphere season - where he will join up with other Boks playing for Irish outfits like fellow Shark BJ Botha (also with Ulster), the Cheetahs's Bok prop CJ van der Linde (Leinster) and Stormers midfielder Jean de Villiers (Munster).
The newspaper also reports that Ulster's hopes of signing Dwayne Peel as a replacement for Leinster-bound Isaac Boss evaporated with the news that the Welshman has signed a two-year deal with Sale Sharks.
Ulster are also looking into the possibility of signing former All Black Xavier Rush, the current No.8 with Cardiff Blues, whose future with the Welsh club remains in doubt.
Rush has not yet signed a new deal with the Blues, but money could be a stumbling block.
Ulster are also believed to be in the running for Scottish scrumhalf Mike Blair as they prepare to off-load Irish international Boss.
A possible target for the base of the scrum, former Ulster favourite Roger Wilson, Friday signed a new deal with Munster's Heineken Cup opponents Northampton Saints.
Elsewhere, Munster are keen on linking up with Leicester's Johne Murphy, out of contract this summer, as All Black Doug Howlett is believed to be heading back to his native country.
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