Dawson returns

Former international flanker Kieron Dawson will end a 10-year relationship with London Irish when he returns to his native Ulster next season.

Originally from Bangor, Dawson has played 21 times for Ireland, winning his first cap against New Zealand in 1997, alongside Malcolm O'Kelly. The 31-year old joined London Irish in 1996, before ever making a competitive start for Ulster at senior level, going on to play over 190 matches for the Exiles. He returns on a two-year contract.

"It's always been an ambition to play for Ulster and with Irish rugby on a high right now, Ulster at the top of the Celtic League, Leinster and Munster through to the semi-finals of the European Cup and the Triple Crown success during this season's Six Nations Championship, I'm very excited to be returning home this summer," said Dawson in yesterday's press release.

Ulster are locked in contract negotiations with David Humphreys and Andrew Trimble. It has been widely reported Humphreys intends to retire from international rugby at the end of the season. The one-time heir apparent to Humphreys' number 10 jersey, Paddy Wallace, had a move to Castres blocked last week and must now honour the two years left of his contract.