Jordi Murphy will depart Leinster at the end of the season but remain within Irish rugby. Gerry Thornley reports in today's Irish Times that Murphy will join Ulster for the 2018/19 season.
Given the possible back row departures from Irish rugby - such as Peter O'Mahony and CJ Stander - it will be welcome news to Joe Schmidt that Murphy is remaining within the four provinces.
It is also a move which makes plenty of sense. Leinster have an abundance of back row options, both established senior squad members and others bubbling up through the academy.
Murphy's competition for a place includes Sean O'Brien, Rhys Ruddock, Dan Leavy, Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan. Australian Scott Fardy is also an option. Murphy is far more likely get game time at Ulster where competition is far lighter.
The 26-year-old made his Leinster debut six years ago in a Pro12 game against Glasgow, making 95 appearances in all for the province so far. He has also won 18 Ireland caps, the most recent of which came against Fiji last month.
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