Ulster have moved to fill the gap that will be left by the departure of John Afoa at the end of this season by signing 25-year-old tighthead prop Wiehahn Herbst from South African Super Rugby franchise The Sharks on a three-year deal.

Herbst came through the academy at the Durban-based side and made his Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup debuts in 2009.

He played his first game in Super Rugby for the Sharks in the 2019/10 season and has gone on to make 37 appearances in the competition.

He has represented South Africa at schools level and under-19 level and was part of the South African squad at the 2007 under-19 Rugby World Championship in Ireland, where he played at Ravenhill.

He also represented South Africa at the IRB Junior World Championships in Wales in 2008.

Speaking about his decision to join Ulster Rugby Herbst said: “Ulster Rugby is a province on the up and for me it was just a great opportunity to develop my career and to take it to the next level.

“The team is doing extremely well at the moment and with the stadium being redeveloped there is a great set-up at Ravenhill – it will be exciting to be part of.”

Ulster's Director of Rugby, David Humphreys, added: "I am delighted that Wiehahn has decided to join Ulster. He is a highly talented young player with a proven track-record in a specialist position.

“I have no doubt that he will be a huge success at the province and that he will follow in the footsteps of the other overseas players that have come to Ravenhill in making a major contribution to the success of Ulster Rugby.”