Munster sign Ulster centre Sammy Arnold on two-year-deal

Ulster have confirmed that centre Sammy Arnold will join Munster on a two-year deal this summer.

The 19-year-old former Irish Exiles player from Surrey has played for Ireland at under-20 level and makes the move in a bid to gain more playing time.

Ulster are well-stocked in midfield, with four senior internationals, and Stuart McCloskey in line to make it five against Wales on Sunday.

Commenting on the move, Arnold said: “It was a difficult decision to leave but given Ulster’s depth of talent in midfield, I feel it’s the right time for me to make the move.

“I would like to thank Ulster Rugby for its support and investment in helping me to develop my game and I’m determined to finish the season well.”

Ulster director of rugby Les Kiss also pointed to the province's rich resources , saying: "We are disappointed to lose a player of Sammy's talent but we fully understand his position. He is an ambitious young man who wants to gain as much game time as possible, but with our current stocks at centre, we are unable to guarantee him a regular starting position.

"The age profile of some of our other young centres such as Stuart Olding (22), Stuart McCloskey (23) and Luke Marshall (24), along with the presence of experienced international players like Darren Cave and Jared Payne, has contributed to his decision.

“Everyone at Ulster wishes Sammy well with Munster over the next couple of seasons but in the mean time we’re sure that he will continue to contribute positively to the squad during the current campaign.”

Arnold made his Pro 12 debut as an 18-year-old against Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade in March 2015. He has lined out on 11 occasions for Ulster in total, the most recent of which was the Champions Cup win away to Oyonnax last month.

Munster also announced that hooker Duncan Casey hass agreed a new two-year contract extension, while academy secondrow Seán McCarthy has secured a one-year development contract .