Wilson to return to Ulster

Rugby:Northampton number eight Roger Wilson will return to Ulster on a three-year contract at the start of next season.

Wilson will have spent four years with the Saints by that time and has already made over 100 appearances for the English club, but is looking forward to a return to the club where it all began.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Northampton and the club have been very good to me,” he said. “Dorian West is an excellent forwards coach, Jim Mallinder’s knowledge of the game is outstanding and I’d like to think that I’ve learnt a lot from them over the last four years and I can add that experience to Ulster.

“Northampton are a quality team and have an excellent set-up at the club but I suppose it was always in the back of my mind that I would like to finish my career at Ulster. I was born and raised there, learnt my rugby there and at the end of the day it is home. I’m delighted to be coming back.

“The last couple of seasons have shown that Ulster are a club that can compete and compete to win things, they’re now considered one of the top European teams and that they’re genuine contenders for silverware.”

Ulster director of rugby David Humphreys says the addition of the provinces 2007 player of the year will “provide us with the depth we need to ensure we are competitive in both the RaboDirect PRO12 and the Heineken Cup.”

He added: “He displays all the physical attributes necessary for a top-class number eight and is an incredibly consistent performer.

He’s currently playing the best rugby of his career and we’re delighted that he has decided to return to Ulster next season and to commit his long term future to the club.”