Ulster sign former Munster prop from Zebre
Ulster have signed prop, Dave Ryan, from Zebre on a two-year contract.
The 27-year-old from Cork, came through the Munster Academy and played 10 times for Munster between 2009 and 2011.
He left the Reds in the Spring of 2011 to join Lazio Roma, before moving to Zebre at the start of the 2012/13 season.
Ryan has played 20 RaboDirect PRO12 games for the Italian franchise and has made six appearances for Zebre in the Heineken Cup.
Ryan thanked the Zebre's Team Manager, Fabio Ongaro, the coaching staff and Zebre organisation for his time at the club.
He said: "I have developed a lot as a player and a person during my time in Italy. I believe that Zebre are progressing and definitely a squad whose arrow is pointing upwards."
"While a part of me is sad to leave, the opportunity to join a team with the quality and character of Ulster was too great to pass up. I'm excited to start a new chapter in my career with a team I have always admired for their work ethic, style of play and physicality."
The former Munster prop said he was excited at the prospect of joining the northern province.
He said: "I would like to thank David Humphreys and Mark Anscombe for the opportunity. I look forward to working hard and being part of a team and organisation who compete at the highest level of European Rugby."
Ulster's Director of Rugby, David Humphreys, said: "Dave is an experienced Irish prop with solid experience in both the PRO12 and Europe. He adds further squad strength to the key position of tighthead prop and I have no doubt that he will be a huge success at Ravenhill."
