This is smart business all round.
Ulster are in desperate need of some international class in their pack and their back row could do with another ball-carrying, physical presence.
Iain Henderson’s days of dabbling with the blindside role he enjoys so much may be over as Ulster and Ireland are keen for him to settle in as a second row. The big man is doing a fine job in the position this season and, from a provincial stand-point, he my have another Ireland international for company this season.
Jordi Murphy is set to move from Leinster to Ulster, next summer. The move was first reported by The Irish Times and SportsJOE has learned that the move is set to be confirmed imminently.
Murphy was selected on form and merit to face the All Blacks in Chicago, last November, and scored an early try before going off after 25 minutes with a bad knee injury. He returned for Leinster at the start of this season and has played nine times [scoring against Treviso at the weekend] while lining out for the Barbarians and Ireland in their win over Fiji.
The Leinster back row department is a viper’s pit of serious talent and Murphy should be guaranteed more game time by moving up to Belfast. The IRFU spoke, earlier this season, of wanting to see more players join other provinces so the union should be satisfied in rubber-stamping this deal.
Should it be confirmed, Murphy’s capture would follow close on the heels of former Leinster teammate Marty Moore, who Ulster have signed from Wasps for next season.
Only last month, we speculated on a position each province needed. For Ulster, it was a blindside. We went with CJ Stander but Ulster fans will content themselves with the capture of a quality player in Murphy if the deal gets announced in the coming days.
Wishlist stuff. What player would you love from a rival province? https://t.co/WYDjrIh8st
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) November 25, 2017
There transformation of Ulster Rugby is well underway.
Next mission – find an outhalf.
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