Ulster coach Matt Williams has already started building for next season with the capture of Australian back row forward Tamaiti Horua. Horua will join from the Western Force during the summer.
Capped for the Wallabies at underage and ‘A’ level, Horua previously worked with Willams when both men were at the New South Wales Waratahs in Australia and can play across the backrow.
The New Zealand-born and Melbourne-raised Horua, 27, has signed a two-year contract with Ulster.
The IRFU, meanwhile, has announced an eight-year deal with sports equipment manufacturer Puma that will see the team’s kit and training gear produced by the company for the start of the 2009/2010 season.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Puma and we are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Irish Rugby Football Union - one of the world’s leading rugby teams”, said Jochen Zeitz, chairman and CEO of Puma.
“Their global reach, passion, heritage and dynamism match the Puma brand perfectly. This long-term strategic partnership underlines Puma’s reinforced commitment to further strengthen its position as one of the leading sportlifestyle brands.”
IRFU CEO Philip Browne, added: “The IRFU is delighted to enter into this relationship with Puma, an organisation, we feel, that not only understands rugby supporters but also has a proven track record in the sport.
“With all of its proven technical experience, innovative product design and development and support systems, we are very excited about the future with Puma and we look forward to a very successful partnership.”
Canterbury currently manufacture the official IRFU sportswear.
