Ulster Rugby today announced that it has completed the signing of London Irish flanker Kieron Dawson.
Dawson, who is originally from Bangor in Co. Down and a graduate of Queens University in Belfast has signed a 2 year deal that will see him return to his roots and link up with Ulster for pre-season training during July.
Dawson joined London Irish in 1996 having previously played rugby for Bangor, and has since played over 190 matches for the Exiles club.
Commenting on his new contract Dawson said; "It's always been an ambition to play for Ulster and with Irish Rugby on a high right now, Ulster at the top of the Celtic League, Leinster and Munster through to the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup and the Triple Crown success during this season's Six Nations Championship, I'm very excited to be returning home this summer."
He has 21 Irish caps, making his debut against the All-Blacks in November 1997 and was part of Ireland's 1999 Rugby World Cup Squad. He has also been capped at Ireland A, U21, Students and Schools levels and played for the Barbarians in 2003-04 season
A mobile and effective open-side flanker, Dawson was London Irish player of the season in 2000-01 and claimed the try of the season award in 2004-5. He has played 16 matches for the Exiles so far this season and scored two tries having successfully returned from injury.