Botha Ulster deal off
South African no longer coming to Kingspan
South African star Arno Botha will not be joining Ulster after all.
The 25-year-old flanker was due to join Les Kiss’s side for the start of the new season after signing a two-year deal earlier this year.
But Ulster confirmed today the move was off after medical assessment.
Ulster’s Operation Director, Bryn Cunningham, said: “It’s unfortunate for both Arno and Ulster Rugby that we’ve had to come to this decision as we were looking forward to welcoming him to Kingspan Stadium.
“However, we have acted with the best interests of team performance in mind.
“We have meticulous processes in place for all player recruitment and having commissioned an independent medical assessment in South Africa, it was recommended that the risk had increased following his most recent injury. This view was shared by our own medical team.
"Everyone associated with Ulster Rugby sincerely hopes that Arno will go on to have a long and successful career.
"Once this decision was reached, we compiled an extensive list of potential targets and we will announce a signing to bolster the forward pack in due course.”