Two rising stars sign for Ulster

Bursting onto the professional scene in 2006, the powerful No. 8 Robbie Diack, formerly of South African side the Stormers, has been sighted as a player of significant potential. Standing at 6ft 6ins, Diack will bring a substantial physical presence to Ulster's back row. A solid player with an intelligent reading of the game and outstanding all round skills, Robbie has a big future ahead with Ulster.

Speaking about the young back-row, Ulster Head Coach Matt Williams commented:
"Robbie has made a really big impact for the Stormers and is definitely coming into the best form of his career. He will add some real strength to the back row and is an explosive and smart player."

When asked about his move to Ireland and Ulster Rugby, Robbie Diack commented:
"I'm extremely excited about the move to Ulster. My experience playing for the Stormers and Western province over the past three years has been fantastic and I feel 100% 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. Moving to a new country for me is also an exhilarating aspect, as I will get to experience a totally different culture and learn from it. I suppose in a way moving to Northern Ireland and not knowing any one will also force me to get to know different people, and make new friends, which is always great to have" continued Robbie.

Cillian Willis is also shaping up to be a star of the future for both Club and Country. At only 23 years old, Willis has won numerous caps for Ireland U20's and U19's, while an impressive form since his senior squad debut in 2006, has resulted in a call-up for the Ireland A squad. The Dublin born scrum half, has moved out of cousin Brian O'Driscoll's shadow at Leinster and into his own, by winning a "Player of the Month" award, after a string of impressive performances. Cillian's swift passing, sharp tackles and great maturity on the pitch, will make a significant impact on the Ulster squad in the new season.

Talking about his move North, Willis remarked:
"I'm really delighted to be joining Ulster Rugby, 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. Ulster has some of the most loyal supporters and they have made Ravenhill a very intimidating place to play, it will be good to experience that atmosphere at the ground and this time be on the right side of it."

"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. There's going to be competition for places and Isaac and Paul are two very bright players, I know Paul quite well, we played together at under age levels so that will be fun and I've talked to Isaac a bit recently, I'm really looking to learn from him and Paul over the next year" said Cillian.

Steve Williams, Assistant Coach of Ulster Rugby remarked on Cillian Willis signing with Ulster:
"Cillian is a young player who has shown great promise, both early in his career with UCD and in the last few years with Leinster and the coaching team at Ulster are very excited to have him on board for the new season. We will look to expand Cillian's skills and push him to the next level in his game play; he will also add some competition for position into the team, which will help existing players tighten up their game."

With new top-class signings almost complete and Matt Williams first full-season as Head Coach, the outlook for the new season is looking good for Ulster. The fans have already shown their continued support of the Ulster men, with season ticket renewals a major success. Already Platinum, Gold and Silver tickets have sold out, while limited numbers of family-friendly Bronze stand tickets, along with fans favourites the Promenade and Terrace season tickets are selling out fast. Be sure to be part of the Ravenhill Roar next season.