Rugby:Ulster Rugby confirmed that prop BJ Botha will leave Ravenhill at the end of the season and is expected to join Munster on a two-year deal.

The 31-year-old has been an integral part of the Ulster set up since joining from the Natal Sharks three seasons ago.

The Springbok tight-head is currently sidelined with an elbow injury but Ulster hope he will be fit to play some part in the province’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Northampton in early April plus the remainder of the Magners League campaign.

If his expected move to Munster goes through he would take over frontline duties from Tony Buckley, who leaves for Sale Sharks, and veteran John Hayes, who expected to retire at the end of the year.