Ulster have made a "smart move" with the signing of Rory Sutherland and possibly Steven Kitshoff, according to Eddie O'Sullivan.
Scotland international and British and Irish Lion Sutherland joined the province for the rest of this season, following his release from Worcester, who were suspended from the English Premiership after going onto administration.
And while the 28-year-old is only in Belfast on a short-term deal, the province also confirmed they are close to agreeing a deal with an unnamed "world class prop" from next season, widely reported to be Springbok veteran Steven Kitshoff.
"I think they're making a statement on the basis that they feel that's the part of their squad they have to bolster, in terms of getting silverware," former Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan said on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast.
In recent seasons Ulster have developed a number of exciting, home-grown backs, with Nathan Doak, James Hume, Mike Lowry, Ethan McIlroy and Robert Baloucoune all impressing last season.
And the Buccaneers head coach believes that by bolstering their front row, the province are giving their backline the best platform to work off.
"If you look at the Ulster backline, it's cracking. They've got two good 10s, not world beaters but solid 10s. They've got real power in midfield, and serious gas in the back three.
"I think their backline is really good, and set, and they're confident that the backline will hold together. The key for them is can they deliver the quality of possession in the backline with their setpiece, and their truckers.
"That's where they're investing their energy and finances, to put a pack in front of that backline that can deliver that sort of possession.
"It's a smart move from a point of building a team,"
Ulster Rugby
Sport
Rugby
Robert Baloucoune
James Hume
Mike Lowry
Ethan Macilroy
Nathan Doak
Steven Kitshoff