Les Kiss said Ulster are looking to the hone "two exciting prospects" after they snapped up 20-year-old outhalf Brett Herron from Bath, and upgraded Ireland U20 star Johnny McPhillips to a development contract.
A product of the prestigious rugby school, Wellington College, Herron was earmarked as one of their finest rugby-playing pupils. He made his Bath United debut in 2014 and has caught the eye the Rec.
The Irish-qualified playmaker is a former England U18 international and his progress has been keenly observed by national selectors at all levels.
McPhillips, who turned 19 last month, has thrived in his first year in the Hughes Insurance Ulster Academy under the tutelage of Kieran Campbell, featuring heavily for Queen's University and the Ulster 'A' team.
His performances were rewarded with a call up to the Ireland U20 squad for their Six Nations campaign and he started all five matches in the 10 jersey.
"We would fully expect Paddy Jackson to be involved with Ireland squads in the coming years so the knock-on effect will be the requirement for Ulster to produce more Irish-qualified options at 10," said Kiss.
"Brett and Johnny are definitely two very exciting prospects. With the depth of International-class outhalves at Bath, Brett's opportunities have been limited to the 'A' team and Rosslyn Park, where he has excelled.
"An injury curtailed his almost certain starting berth for England in the U20 World Cup.
"Johnny enjoyed a successful stint with Ireland U20s in this season's Six Nations and that experience will stand him in good stead.
"He is mature well beyond his years and he has the right temperament and ability to succeed at the highest level. He will undoubtedly push through next season and stake a claim for senior squad involvement."
