Ulster forward Matt McCullough has been hit by two misconduct complaints over alleged use of racist and abusive language to London Irish player Delon Armitage.

The 25-year-old lock will be requested to appear before a disciplinary committee following an investigation by European Rugby Cup Limited.

ERC disciplinary officer Roger O'Connor last month wrote to Ulster and Irish asking for full details. O'Connor has now decided there are grounds to proceed with misconduct complaints following the alleged incidents during and after Heineken Cup pool games between the teams in Reading on December 9th and Belfast six days later.

Ulster mounted a vigorous defence of McCullough before Christmas following allegations by Irish that he racially abused Armitage. Irish did not publicly name McCullough, and they confirmed they had received a formal apology from an Ulster player for what they described as "foul and abusive language".

But Ulster chief executive Michael Reid stressed that was not an admission by McCullough that he had racially abused 23-year-old Armitage.

No date has yet been set for any hearing.

Meanwhile, English Premiership leaders Bristol have announced that Ulster's former Ireland international Kevin Maggs will join the club the summer.

Bristol-born Maggs, 32, rejoins the club from Ulster having started his career at the west country outfit before leaving for local rivals Bath in 1998.

Capped 70 times by Ireland he played in the last two World Cups and will move to the Memorial Stadium in time for next season.

Bristol coach Richard Hill said: "He possesses so much experience having played alongside some real greats and you don't win 70 caps without being a very fine player.

"He'll bring defensive qualities to our midfield as well as the ability to get over the gainline."