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Ulster closing in on Muller

  • 30-01-2010 01:55PM
    #1
    wixfjord
    Site Banned Posts: 5,346 ✭✭✭


    From the Indo:
    Ulster are on the verge of signing South African lock Johann Muller, capped 25 times for the Springboks, latterly against the Lions last summer, WRITES DAVID KELLY.

    However, Ulster's hopes of signing Dwayne Peel as a replacement for Leinster-bound Isaac Boss evaporated last night with the news that the Welshman has signed a two-year deal with Sale Sharks.

    Ulster are also looking into the possibility of signing former All Black Xavier Rush, the current No 8 with Cardiff Blues, whose future with the Welsh club remains in doubt. Rush has not yet signed a new deal with the Blues, but money could be a stumbling block.

    Ulster are also believed to be in the running for Scottish scrum-half Mike Blair as they prepare to off-load Irish international Boss.

    A possible target for the base of the scrum, former Ulster favourite Roger Wilson, yesterday signed a new deal with Munster's Heineken Cup opponents Northampton Saints.

    "I'm really settled here and enjoying my rugby," said Wilson, capped by Ireland, but overlooked since a controversial head-butt in a Churchill Cup game three summers ago.

    "It's great to be part of a club with ambition and high work ethic. The improvements have been remarkable over the two years I've been here.

    "I came to Northampton because I thought we could compete in big competitions, and we are. I've got lots of respect for the coaches -- for the time and effort they put in.

    "We have a young squad with quality players who work hard and if we keep improving at the same rate we have been there's no reason why we can't become one of the top teams in Europe," added the 28-year-old, who has scored four tries in his 45 appearances and has been a consistent performer at No 8 since joining from Ulster in 2008.

    "Roger's qualities are apparent every time he plays," said Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder.

    "He provides a focus for the players around him, being in the right place at the right time. He has a good relationship with the other back-rowers and scrum-halves, and brings confidence to the team.

    "At 28 he is in his prime and everyone at the club is delighted that he's staying with us."

    Elsewhere, Munster are keen on linking up with Leicester's Johne Murphy, out of contract this summer, as All Black Doug Howlett is believed to be heading back to his native country.

    Great signing if true. Under 30, vey good in lineout and former Springbok capt if I remember correctly. Ulster are really showing some ambition.

    Wouldnt be sure about Rush though, great player and all, but Henry is future Ireland bencher imo behind Heaslip.


Comments

  • #2
    Stev_o
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,249 ✭✭✭Stev_o


    Seems a odd choice, they'v three IRISH second rows who are all very very good why do they think they need one to replace them? If they were going to make a high value purchase surely it would be for a well known 15, seems like they are buying for the sake of buying.


  • #3
    Digifriendly
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,088 ✭✭✭Digifriendly


    Stev_o wrote: »
    Seems a odd choice, they'v three IRISH second rows who are all very very good why do they think they need one to replace them? If they were going to make a high value purchase surely it would be for a well known 15, seems like they are buying for the sake of buying.

    As an Ulster fan I think this is an area of weakness compared to Munster and Leinsters' 'engine room.' Tuohy has been in fine form but Caldwell is too indisciplined. Muller will add what is missing from the Ulster pack at present in my opinion.


  • #4
    danthefan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,770 ✭✭✭danthefan


    Rush would be an awful signing, Ulster have a rake of talented young Irish backrows and why they'd sign a 33 year old foreigner, decent player that he is, would be beyond me.


  • #5
    2040
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,300 ✭✭✭2040


    Fantastic signing if it goes through. And yeah, he captained the Springboks a few times alright. Signing Rush would be a bit baffling alright, although maybe they're just looking for some experience to guide what is a very young squad through the next few years.

    They still need a scrum half. I can't wait to see who they get. Piri Weepu? Rory Kockott? Mike Blair has been out of sorts for a while now and Dwayne Peel extended his contract with Sale recently.

    Rory Best's return will be like a new signing too. They'll easily have the best front row in the country.

    Two or three seasons, or maybe even less, and Ulster will be up there with the big boys.


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