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Muller's move to Ulster confirmed

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:33

Springbok second row Ulster-bound: Johann Muller.

After much speculation, Ulster Rugby have confirmed the signing of South African international lock Johann Muller on a two-year contract.

The former Sharks captain will arrive at the Irish Province at the end of the 2010 Super 14 competition and will join-up with the Ulster Squad on 1st July.

A highly-regarded second row forward in South Africa, 29 year-old has represented the Springboks on 23 occasions, his final appearance being against the British and Irish Lions during last summer's Tour.

Standing at 6'7"and 114kg, the Mossel Bay-born powerhouse made his provincial debut for the Sharks in 2003, going on to make his Super 14 debut against the Hurricanes later that season.

Muller was awarded his first Springbok cap against Scotland in 2006 and captained South Africa against New Zealand in 2007. He was also a member of the 2007 Rugby World Cup squad in France.

Captaining his Province during both the 2008 and 2009 Super 14 tournaments, Muller also led the Sharks to Currie Cup glory in 2008.

Commenting on Ulster Rugby's first new signing ahead of the 2010/2011 season, Director of Rugby Operations, David Humphreys, said: "Ulster Rugby is looking forward to welcoming another world class South African forward to Belfast for the next two seasons.

"A lineout specialist and respected captain, Johann will add a hard edge to a pack that, under Brian McLaughlin and Jeremy Davidson, has become increasingly competitive over the past few months.

"A lot has been spoken about the potential and the youth of this current Ulster squad and we are committed to signing foreign players who, like Johann, have the ability to improve our performances on the pitch but also help develop these young players into Ulster and Ireland stars of the next decade."

Speaking about his move to Ulster, Muller remarked: "My family (wife Mariska and one-year-old daughter Anja) and I are really looking forward to our new life in Ulster, and reuniting with my old friend BJ [Botha] and his family.

"I am very excited by this opportunity to play for a club with such a rich rugby tradition and awesome support.

"My 12 years with the Sharks in Durban, have been unforgettable and I know that my years at Ulster have many more wonderful memories in store for me.

"I would like to thank my current CEO Brian van Zyl, and his management, for their support in my decision and to David Humphreys for inviting me to Ulster and portraying the passion of the club."

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