Sammy Arnold leaves Ulster to join Munster on two-year deal

Ulster centre Sammy Arnold has agreed to join Munster on a two-year deal from this summer in a bid to secure a more regular starting role.

The 19-year-old has lined out for Ulster on 11 occasions, the most recent of which was the Champions Cup win away to Oyonnax last month.

He made his debut in a Pro12 game against the Dragons in March 2015.

Arnold hails from England, is a product of the Ireland Exiles and has played for his adopted country at U-20 level.

Commenting on the news, Ulster Director of Rugby, Les Kiss, said: "We are disappointed to lose a player of Sammy's talent but we fully understand his position.

"He is an ambitious young man who wants to gain as much game time as possible, but with our current stocks at centre, we are unable to guarantee him a regular starting position.

"The age profile of some of our other young centres such as Stuart Olding (22), Stuart McCloskey (23) and Luke Marshall (24), along with the presence of experienced international players like Darren Cave and Jared Payne, has contributed to his decision.

"Everyone at Ulster wishes Sammy well with Munster over the next couple of seasons but in the meantime we're sure that he will continue to contribute positively to the squad during the current campaign."

"It was a difficult decision to leave but given Ulster's depth of talent in midfield, I feel it's the right time for me to make the move," said Arnold.

"I would like to thank Ulster Rugby for its support and investment in helping me to develop my game and I'm determined to finish the season well."