Ex-Chief set to join Ulster

The man set to replace Christian Lealiifano at Ulster is ex-Chief Stephen Donald, according to the Irish Independent.

Early speculation had earmarked Australian pivot Matt Giteau as the replacement, but it appears the 34-year-old known as ‘Beaver’ is set to join the side on a short-term deal when Lealiifano returns to Australia at the end of the month.

Donald wasn’t offered a contract by new Chiefs coach Colin Cooper for this year’s Super Rugby competition after returning to the Chiefs last year.

He previously played in the northern hemisphere between 2011 and 2013, when he played for Bath in the Premiership but has revealed in his book that he did not particularly enjoy his time playing rugby there.

It is believed he will arrive in Belfast shortly after his Top League side, the Tokyo-based Toshiba Brave Lupus, finish up their campaign this weekend and would be in line to make his debut for Ulster when the Guinness PRO14 returns in February.

Lealiifano has been an influential figure for Ulster this season, making 15 appearances and scoring 47 points despite arriving just a week before the start of the season.

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