RUGBY NEWS ROUND-UP:IN WHAT constitutes a major coup for Matt Williams in his rebuilding of Ulster after last summer's exodus, and particularly the retirement of Simon Best, the Springbok World Cup winner Brendon James Botha has, as expected, signed a three-year contract with Ulster Rugby.
The South African-born powerhouse, better known as BJ Botha (28), has established himself as an integral frontrow component for country and club.
Formerly of Natal Sharks, Botha (117kg and 182cm) is highly rated by his peers as a technically sound and powerful scrummager.
He broke into the Boks' team last season with three Tri-Nations caps, having played in all 13 Super 14 matches in the 2006/2007 season and has 49 caps from South Africa's Currie Cup.
"I feel the move to Ulster will be a great opportunity for both me and my family," he said yesterday.
"I am really looking forward to playing rugby in Europe and for a team with such a vivid following as Ulster. The move is a great opportunity to see Ireland and the UK and experience the famous Northern Ireland culture first hand, and I'm sure we'll end up venturing across to mainland Europe for holidays, which we are all excited about."
Botha made a brief visit to Belfast this week to complete his medical and met the squad before returning to South Africa. He and his family will move to Belfast for good in a few weeks.
"BJ is a world-class player and is one of the best tighthead props in the game," enthused Williams.
"He . . . is used to being part of a winning team. BJ will bring with him the culture of excellence and winning, a mindset I hope he can pass on to our younger players."
Off the pitch, Peter Sharp has been employed as a specialist defence coach on a short-term contract and boasts an impressive rugby CV having coached at elite level in Australia's National Rugby League with Newcastle Knights, Manly Sea Eagles, Melbourne Storm and Parramatta Eels.
Alex McCloy has taken up the job of performance analyst - the former Ballymena Academy pupil played scrumhalf for Ballymena and Belfast Harlequins.
Alan McCaldin has joined the management as physiotherapist, having worked with the Sports Institute of Northern Ireland and Dungannon RFC as well as having a private practice.
The Fijian flyer Timoci Nagusa will start his first game on the left-wing against Bath tonight, as Williams also bloods another four of his summer signings - the former Queensland lock Ed O'Donoghue, the South African backrow Robbie Diack, the ex-Leinster scrumhalf Cillian Willis and the ex-Queensland fullback Clinton Schifcofske - as well as the Academy player Chris Cochrane.
Meanwhile Michael Bradley has named a 26-man squad for Connacht's game with Harlequins at the Sportsground tomorrow (kick-off: 6.30pm).
Four players could well make their first start for the province, Liam Bibo, Ian Keatley, Seán Cronin and Frank Murphy all included in the match-day squad.
Significantly Bank of Ireland are extending their sponsorship of the Connacht for another three years. The sponsorship is one of the longest-running in the game, having started in the 1990s.
The former Leinster and Ireland coach Gerry Murphy has been named Leinster's domestic team manager and will oversee underage representative strategy.
The Leinster under-20 side, who play Clontarf next Tuesday, will be coached by the former Leinster outhalf Richie Murphy.
Murphy will be assisted by the former Leinster and Ireland lock Gabriel Fulcher, who coached Belvedere College to last season's Leinster Schools Senior Cup title.
Tony O'Byrne (Old Belvedere) has been named manager.
Leinster's Under-19 (Schools) side will be coached by Noel Murray (Clongowes Wood), who will be assisted by the former Lions and Ireland fullback Rodney O'Donnell (St Mary's). Fr Joe Gough will manage the side.
The current Ireland Youths coach Greg Lynch (Greystones) will lead this year's Leinster Under-19 (Club) side and will be assisted by the former South African scrumhalf Dan Van Zyl.
Rory MacMahon (Wanderers) has been named manager.
Rory McIlreavy (The King's Hospital) has been named coach to the Under-18 (schools) side and will be assisted by the former Ireland A hooker Peter Smyth.
Hugh Hogan (St Mary's) will coach the Under-18 (club) side and he will be assisted by Michael Moran (Naas).
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