Ulster sign Sutherland and tease Kitshoff arrival

Ulster Rugby have confirmed the signing of Scottish prop Rory Sutherland on a short-term contract and have teased the arrival of a 'world class operator' with Steven Kitshoff heavily linked to the province.

Sutherland has been able to join Ulster with immediate effect, following his release from crisis-club Worcester Warriors earlier in the week.

In a statement, Ulster announced the arrival of Sutherland and also confirmed that talks are at an advanced phase with a player they say is a "proven winner on the biggest stage."

The statement claimed that the unnamed player, widely reported as highly rated Stormers prop Kitshoff, "will join the province next season on a three-year deal following Rugby World Cup."

Head Coach, Dan McFarland, said: "We have an exciting stable of young Irish-qualified props at Ulster, so to be able to support their development alongside some world class operators is great news for everyone associated with Ulster and Irish rugby.

"We look forward to welcoming Rory into the squad next week and making further announcements on our recruitment for next season very soon."

Sutherland has been capped 20 times for Scotland and made six appearances in last summer's British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa including a start in the opening Test and a substitute appearance in the second.

On his move to Ulster, Sutherland said: "My thanks go out to everyone in the rugby community who has supported myself, and all those at Worcester, over the past while during what has been a heartbreaking time for players and staff alike.

"However, I'm looking forward to linking-up with Ulster, and getting stuck into the BKT URC and the many familiar faces and rivals that it will bring. The club is on a quest for silverware, and I’ll