Munster have this morning confirmed that captain, Peter O'Mahony will have reconstructive surgery on his left shoulder, an operation that will sideline him for the rest of the season and in all probability Ireland's summer tour to Argentina.

O'Mahony had one or two issues with his shoulder during the Six Nations but wrenched the joint in the province's victory over Toulouse last weekend. He will miss Munster's Heineken Cup semi-final against Toulon in Marseilles on Sunday, April 27th and the remainder of the RaboDirect Pro12 league.

Ulster have signed Cork born Dave Ryan from Zebre on a two-year contract. The 27 year-old came through the Munster Academy and played 10 times for the Munster senior side between 2009 and 2011.

He left the Irish province in the Spring of 2011 to join Lazio Roma, before moving to Zebre at the start of the 2012/13 season. To date he has played 20 RaboDirect PRO12 games for the Italian franchise and has made six appearances for Zebre in the Heineken Cup.

Speaking about moving to Ravenhill, Ryan said: "I would like to thank Fabio Ongaro, the coaching staff and Zebre organisation for the opportunity they have given me.

"I have developed a lot as a player and a person during my time in Italy. I believe that Zebre are progressing and definitely a squad whose arrow is pointing upwards."

“While a part of me is sad to leave, the opportunity to join a team with the quality and character of Ulster was too great to pass up. I’m excited to start a new chapter in my career with a team I have always admired for their work ethic, style of play and physicality.”

"I would like to thank David Humphreys and Mark Anscombe for the opportunity. I look forward to working hard and being part of a team and organisation who compete at the highest level of European rugby."

Ulster's Director of Rugby, David Humphreys, added: "Dave is an experienced Irish prop with solid experience in both the PRO12 and Europe. He adds further squad strength to the key position of tighthead prop and I have no doubt that he will be a huge success at Ravenhill."