Ulster completed the signing of London Irish flanker Kieron Dawson today on a two-year deal. The Bangor native will return to his roots for pre-season training with the province in July.

Dawson joined London Irish in 1996 and has played over 190 games for the Exiles club and was named player of the season in 2000-01. He also has 21 Irish caps, making his debut against the All-Blacks in November 1997 and was part of Ireland's 1999 Rugby World Cup squad.

He was also capped at Ireland A, U21, Students and Schools levels and played for the Barbarians in 2003-04 season.
 
"It's always been an ambition to play for Ulster and with Irish Rugby on a high right now," said Dawson. "Ulster at the top of the Celtic League, Leinster and Munster through to the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup and the Triple Crown success during this season's Six Nations Championship, I'm very excited to be returning home this summer."