Ulster have signed former Leinster prop Rory McGuire from Leinster and given a permanent deal to fellow front row Sam Crean, who had previously been on loan at the province.
Tighthead McGuire joins Richie Murphy's side from the Leinster academy and has made eight senior appearances for the club.
Standing at 6’4" and weighing 119kg, the prop has previous history with head coach Murphy, having been a member of the Grand-Slam winning Ireland Under-20 side of 2022.
McGuire has played club rugby for UCD RFC in the All-Ireland-League, while studying mechanical engineering.
Crean (above) joins the province on a permanent basis, having played twice for the side earlier this season during a short-term loan as injury cover.
The 24-year-old primarily plays as a loosehead prop but can also cover hooker.
The former England U20 player came through the Saracens academy before gaining minutes with the senior side in the English Premiership and Champions Cup.
Ulster Rugby’s general manager Bryn Cunningham said: "We are delighted to be bringing in both Rory and Sam this summer.
"Both are talented props at good age profiles to develop as players and add competition to our squad.
"Rory is a big, physical tighthead prop who will be pushing hard for his opportunity to play more senior rugby.
"Richie knows him well from Ireland U20s and we think he is an exciting prospect, who is eager to kick on under Jimmy Duffy.
"Sam, after a brief stint earlier this season on loan during which he really impressed the coaches, can hopefully hit the ground running and really challenge both Eric [O’Sullivan] and Callum [Reid] for the number 1 jersey."
Elsewhere, Edinburgh have signed Piers O'Conor (above) from Connacht on a two-year deal.
The versatile 29-year-old back will move to the Scottish capital this summer.
O’Conor started 15 of Connacht’s 17 United Rugby Championship matches this season since joining the Galway club last summer following six years with Bristol.
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