Sammy Arnold to join Munster 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."

Despite having a number of high profile absentees due to injury and international duty, Kiss has been able to name a strong line-up for Friday's Pro12 clash with the Newport Gwent Dragons.

The province have the opportunity to move to the top of the table if they win at Ravenhill, and their hopes of doing so have been bolstered by the inclusion of Paddy Jackson, Ruan Pienaar, Nick Williams and Robbie Diack in the matchday 23.

Kiss has made four changes from the side which beat Treviso last weekend, with Jackson, Diack, Jacob Stockdale and Peter Browne all brought into the starting line-up.

Louis Ludik, who yesterday signed a contract extension with Ulster, starts at fullback.