Ulster will complete the signing of South African prop BJ Botha within the coming days. The 28-year-old Springbok is expected to move to the province once the deal has been ratified by the IRFU.

Botha, who has won 16 caps with South Africa and played all pool matches at last year's World Cup, will join Matt Williams' side from the Natal Sharks.

Williams is also understood to be chasing Robbie Diack of the Stormers and Australian rugby league convert Clinton Schifcofske.