Rugby:Pedrie Wannenburg will bring Ulster's complement of South African internationals to four next season after the back row forward agreed a two-year deal with the Irish province.
Having missed out on the signing of Xavier Rush, who will remain in Cardiff despite agreeing a contract back in February, Ulster will bring in the 29-year-old to strengthen their back row options.
Wannenburg joins from the Blue Bulls franchise, for whom he racked up over a 100 Super 14 appearances.
He made the first of his 20 appearances for the Springboks against France in 2002, his most recent being against New Zealand in 2007.
He courted controversy earlier this year after he revealed he had taken cocaine, but he bounced back in impressive fashion to help the Bulls secure a third Super 14 titles in four years.
He will join fellow countrymen BJ Botha, Johann Muller and Ruan Pienaar at Ravenhill next season and is looking forward to testing himself in the Heineken Cup.
“It was not an easy decision after almost a decade with the team and the Bulls family,” he said. “But it is also a good time to move on. The Heineken Cup will be a new challenge and I am looking forward to that. I have heard many good things about Ulster and I am keen to contribute to them, as I still have a lot to offer”.
Wannenburg’s move comes after Ulster released Rush from the contract he agreed with them earlier this year.
A change in the 32-year-old’s personal circumstances prompted his change of heart and, while understandably disappointed to miss out on the signing, Ulster clearly had no desire to bring the player to Belfast against his wishes.
Rush has been a huge success since arriving in Wales in 2005 and helped the Blues to win the EDF Energy Cup in 2009 before this season’s Amlin Challenge Cup triumph.
“Ulster are a great team with a bright future. I was very impressed with the set-up when I visited and I wish them the best of luck for the forthcoming season,” Rush said today.
“However, a change in my personal circumstances has resulted in me deciding to recommit with what has become my home from home, with the Cardiff Blues, where I am very happy.
“I would like to thank all parties concerned for their patience and understanding regarding this matter and now just want to concentrate on having a good pre-season ahead of what promises to be another challenging, but hopefully successful campaign.”