Ulster defence coach Jonny Bell says he is “excited” by the prospect of Hurricanes fly-half Aidan Morgan turning out for the province next season.

Ulster confirmed on Monday that the 23-year-old, who played for the New Zealand Under-20 team but is qualified to represent Ireland through a Belfast-born grandfather, is to join on a two-year contract.

“It’s exciting for Aidan coming here. For all the younger players it’s good for them to know that we’re trying to build and bring some younger players in to bolster the more experienced players that we have.

“I’ve spoken to a few people out in New Zealand and they are very sorry to lose him. He is just going to get better and better.

Obviously it’s going to be a change of environment and culture and style of rugby but he’s exciting, he wants to play fast-paced rugby so I think, the ground, the way Richie [Murphy, Ulster head coach] wants to play, is going to suit him.”

“It’s going to take him a while to settle in but he’s a young, enthusiastic, highly competitive player. He’s driven to do well and he’s taken a step. I can only see positives. I think it’s exciting for him and for us.”

Ulster ‘positive and fresh’

Ulster travel to face Munster at Thomond Park for their final regular game of the United Rugby Championship season on Saturday with their place in the end-of-season play-offs secured but qualification for next season’s Champions Cup still to be confirmed.

Sharks’ win over Gloucester in the Challenge Cup final last weekend means that the top seven in the URC will qualify for the 2024-25 Champions Cup.

However if the team that finishes eighth in the URC were to ultimately win the competition then only the top six would progress to the continent’s premier club competition.

Ulster currently sit sixth in the standings, four points ahead of Edinburgh, Benetton and the Lions. Munster are top of the table.