Ulster have made a "smart move" with the signing of Rory Sutherland and possibly Steven Kitshoff, according to Eddie O'Sullivan.
Scotland international and British and Irish Lion Sutherland joined the province for the rest of this season, following his release from Worcester, who were suspended from the English Premiership after going onto administration.
And while the 28-year-old is only in Belfast on a short-term deal, the province also confirmed they are close to agreeing a deal with an unnamed "world class prop" from next season, widely reported to be Springbok veteran Steven Kitshoff.
"I think they're making a statement on the basis that they feel that's the part of their squad they have to bolster, in terms of getting silverware," former Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan said on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast.
In recent seasons Ulster have developed a number of exciting, home-grown backs, with Nathan Doak, James Hume, Mike Lowry, Ethan McIlroy and Robert Baloucoune all impressing last season.
And the Buccaneers head coach believes that by bolstering their front row, the province are giving their backline the best platform to work off.
"If you look at the Ulster backline, it's cracking. They've got two good 10s, not world beaters but solid 10s. They've got real power in midfield, and serious gas in the back three.
"I think their backline is really good, and set, and they're confident that the backline will hold together. The key for them is can they deliver the quality of possession in the backline with their setpiece, and their truckers.
"That's where they're investing their energy and finances, to put a pack in front of that backline that can deliver that sort of possession.
"It's a smart move from a point of building a team," he added.
The province have made an impressive start to the season, with three wins from four games, and the only defeat coming in a hard-fought battle against Leinster.
They have also played the opening four games with a number of key injuries, notably captain Iain Henderson and centre Hume, who have both been sidelined since Ireland's tour of New Zealand in the summer.
Hume is likely to return in the next fortnight, having been included in their squad for their South African tour.
However, former Ireland international Fiona Hayes says Hume won't be able to walk straight back into the team, owing to the form of Luke Marshall.
"He's been so good to watch," she said.
"It's almost like himself and [Stuart] McCloskey are brothers, they just play off each other so well, they read the game together.
"Marshall had his tries, but defensively he's been excellent. This time last season I was talking about Hume, who I thought would shoot through, and he has, but now you're looking at him wondering if he can get back onto the team to break up the Marshall-McCloskey partnership in the big games, because it's been working really well.
"Ulster made nine changes last week, you wouldn't have thought it. Everything looks cohesive, they all look on the same page. It's a team that's really exciting to watch."
Likewise, O'Sullivan is excited by the depth the province are building around their squad, but says Hume's return gives their backilne "another dimension".
"I think Ulster are in a great place. They've got a really good, solid pack. Some of their ball carriers are getting good go-forward, but their midfield fulcrum has been key.
"I'm beating the McCloskey drum, he's key to them.
"Hume is different animal. Marshall has been doing a great job, but Hume brings another dimension to it, his capacity to beat players one on one. With Marshall and McCloskey you're getting fairly direct rugby, but Hume brings another dimension.
"They're going to be even more dangerous if Hume gets back to his form of last year.
"If they can go down to South Africa and even pick up one result, and maybe a bonus-point somewhere, they'll come home in great fettle," he added.
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