BJ Botha close to Ulster deal?

Ulster are rumoured to be involved in advanced negotiations with South African World Cup-winning prop BJ Botha.

Ulster are rumoured to be involved in advanced negotiations with South African World Cup-winning prop BJ Botha.

The 28-year-old tight-head prop is expected to become the first big-name signing of Matt Williams' reign, filling the void left by the recently retired Simon Best.

The Natal Sharks star, who is one of the world's best scrummagers, has won sixteen caps for the Springboks and made 93 appearances for the franchise to date.

Meanwhile, Leicester Tigers' fringe fly-half Ian Humphreys is also believed to another player on Williams' Ulster wish list.

The 25-year-old would be a natural replacement for brother David at Ravenhill, who retires at the end of the current campaign.