Pro12 side Ulster have agreed a deal to sign New Zealand international Charles Piutau on a two-year contract.
Piutau will join the Irish outfit from Auckland Blues in July 2016, despite many in his home country expecting him to re-sign with his current club and New Zealand Rugby.
The 23-year-old, who can play at centre, wing or full-back, is widely regarded as one of New Zealand's most promising young players, and Ulster team manager Bryn Cunningham is delighted to have secured his signature.
"To secure someone of Charles's ability is hugely exciting for us as it shows that the best players want to come and represent Ulster Rugby and that the province can attract world-class talent," Cunningham said in a statement.
"Our aim is to produce local players with the ability to play for Ulster and Ireland and then supplement them with top-quality internationals. Charles, with his experience with the All Blacks, fits perfectly in that model. As he has shown for both the Blues and New Zealand, he has searing pace and great feet.
"He has an exceptional offloading game and he is rock-solid in defence. He also possesses leadership qualities and maturity beyond his years and that came across strongly in my conversations with him. We could not ask for a more rounded, professional person and I believe that he will add enormous value to our squad both on and off the pitch."
Piutau has scored four tries in 14 appearances for New Zealand and was expected to be named in the All Blacks' World Cup squad this summer, although his new deal puts that in doubt.
