News
Ulster snare two more
May 22 2008
Ulster continue building their squad ahead of next season and have confirmed the signing of Western Province number eight Robbie Diack and Leinster scrum-half Cillian Willis.
Diack has been in fine form for the Stormers this season but now prepares to head to Ireland in time for pre-season training in July.
At just 22 Diack has a promising future ahead of him and is an intelligent reader of the game, an aspect that Ulster Head Coach Matt Williams is well aware of.
"Robbie has made a really big impact for the Stormers and is definitely coming into the best form of his career," said Williams.
"He will add some real strength to the back row and is an explosive and smart player."
As for Diack himself he is looking forward to the challenge ahead, as well as playing a different style of rugby with Ulster.
"I'm extremely excited about the move to Ulster," Diack said.
"My experience playing for the Stormers and Western Province over the past three years has been fantastic and I feel 100 per cent positive that my move to Ulster will be just as good and it will help mould me into a better rugby player.
"What I'm looking forward to most, is the different style of rugby played in Ireland and on top of that, meeting and learning from new coaches and players."
Meanwhile scrum-half Willis, who has been named in the Ireland A squad that will compete in the Churchill Cup, brings an extra option at the base of the scrum.
Having graduated through the age-grade system in Ireland he has impressed in his limited outings for Leinster this season, and like Diack he is looking forward to a new challenge.
"I'm really delighted to be joining Ulster, it is an exciting time for the province with a young squad and new coach and I'm looking forward to being part of it next season," the 23-year-old said.
"I've met with Matt Williams a few times recently and I'm thrilled about working under such a well respected coach, the lads that I have played alongside at Leinster all speak very highly of him."