Ulster appear to be in poll position to sign Munster fly-half Bill Johnston during the summer as he looks for more game-time.
The 22-year-old, former Ireland Under-20 international, who is highly regarded in the south has started just four games this season and it seems as though he will be heading north for further opportunities.
The Clonmel native hit the headlines during the 2016 World Rugby Under-20 Championship as he helped Ireland to a comeback victory against Wales before being part of a historic win over New Zealand.
Since then he has been unfortunate with injuries as he dislocated his shoulder against that New Zealand team and suffered an ankle injury during the 2016/17 season. Those injuries have meant that over the past three seasons he has only made a dozen or so competitive appearances.
As well as injuries preventing his development, the arrival of Joey Carbery last summer coupled with Tyler Bleyendaal’s consistency have meant that he has also fallen down the Munster pecking order.
At such a young age the out-half still has time to improve and it seems that he believes Ulster is the best destination for his development.
The northern province has become a popular destination for players who seek more game-time and want to develop. If he joins, he will follow similar footsteps to Marty Moore, Jordi Murphy, John Cooney and Nick Timoney who left their provinces for Ulster as well as Jack McGrath who is joining this summer.
All of which have become key players in Ulster’s climb to the Pro 14 semi-finals this season, where they face Glasgow on the 17th of May in a bid to make it to the final showpiece.
