Ex-All Black Alby Mathewson signs for Ulster

Former All Black Alby Mathewson has landed himself a one-year deal at Ulster for next season.

The 34-year-old exited Munster last November after a series of short-term contracts at the club ran out once Conor Murray returned from Ireland’s World Cup campaign.  

However, such was the impression he made on Irish rugby fans during his season and a half stint in Limerick that the IRFU have now sanctioned a move to Ulster next July. 

The scrum-half will bring a wealth of experience with him gained from time spent at clubs such as the Hurricanes, the Blues, Western Force, Bristol and Toulon prior to joining Munster.

Ulster boss Dan McFarland: “We are delighted that a player of Alby’s quality is set to join the squad.

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“His leadership skills and extensive experience will be a valuable addition to our squad – especially for our younger scrum-halves as they progress in their development journeys in the months ahead. We look forward to giving him a warm welcome as he makes Ulster his new team.”

Ulster’s first-choice scrum-half John Cooney has been providing back-up to Murray at Test level this month under Andy Farrell after making an initial breakthrough under Joe Schmidt. 

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