Ulster sign up fly-half

Editor

Ulster have completed the signing of Australian fly-half Sam Windsor, who will join the province on a one-year contract from Worcester for 2015/16.

The 27-year-old, who is Irish-qualified through his parents, will arrive from the Warriors, where he has spent the second half of this Championship season.

Born in Bungendore, New South Wales, Windsor joined the Brumbies Academy straight from school. When he narrowly missed out on a Super Rugby contract, he moved to England and spent two seasons at National One side, Blackheath.

At the end of the 2012 season, he returned to Australia to play for his old club Queanbeyan, before returning to Europe to join Leinster on a short-term deal.

He joined promotion-chasing Worcester Warriors in December on a trial basis from New South Wales Country Eagles, but dislocated his shoulder in his first match for the Championship club.

"I am really looking forward to joining Ulster next season. It's a great opportunity for me and I can't wait to get to Belfast. I have only spent a small amount of time in the city, but from what I saw, and from what I have been told, it's a great place to be," said Windsor.

"Unfortunately injury and surgery has prevented me from playing with Worcester since my arrival in December, but I can't thank them enough for everything they have done for me. They're a class club, with top quality coaches and back room staff. Dean Ryan is taking them in the right direction and I can't see anything but success for them from here on.

"I am truly grateful for the care and respect they have shown me. Hopefully I can still play a part in helping them to the play-offs and ultimately winning the Championship.

"Ulster presents a new challenge for me, and one I am really looking forward too. The opportunity to play in the Guinness PRO12 and more so the European Champions Cup excites me, and I can't wait to play in front of a packed Kingspan Stadium and the passionate Ulster supporters.

"I got a taste of Irish rugby last year while I was with Leinster, but will hopefully get a little more than that next season."