Ulster have announced that Leinster loose-head Jack McGrath will join the province in the summer.
The Lions prop will swap Dublin for Belfast saying the move will put him “in the best position to continue to perform at the top end of the game”.
McGrath has seen fallen behind Cian Healy as the starting loose-head for both Leinster and Ireland this season.
Commenting on the switch, McGraht said: “This was a difficult decision but one I believe will put me in the best position to continue to perform at the top end of the game.
“I have enjoyed a huge amount of success at Leinster, but I feel that looking beyond the World Cup to the next phase of my career, I will benefit from the opportunity within the Ulster environment.
“I am now fully fit after a disrupted start to the season and I’m looking forward to putting all my energy into helping Leinster’s drive to defend the European and PRO14 titles and finishing this season on a high.”
Ulster boss Dan McFarland welcomed the move saying the province is “delighted” to have McGrath coming on board.
“It is hugely encouraging to see a player of his calibre express the desire to join us, said McFarland.
“Jack’s quality on the field is undoubtable, and his experience of playing at the highest level will be a hugely valuable asset to the club as we continue to develop a promising group of young forwards.”