IRELAND international and British & Irish Lion Tom Court has signed a three year deal with London Irish and will join for the 2014/15 season.
The 33-year-old loosehead prop is has played with Ulster since 2006 having only begun playing rugby two years earlier.
Court said today: “I have enjoyed eight fantastic seasons at Ulster and will leave the Club with many happy memories.
“London Irish is a new challenge and one I am looking forward to. There is still a lot of work to do for the remainder of this season at Ulster and that will be my immediate focus.”
Court famously only began playing rugby in 2004 – at the age of 24. He began his sporting career as a shot putter where he was National University Champion in Australia, the country of his birth, for three years running.
Court has 32 Irish caps having made his debut in the 2009 Six Nations Championships, when he was part of the Irish Grand Slam winning side, alongside current Exile, Tomás O’Leary.
He went on to be named in Ireland's Rugby World Cup Squad in 2011, and played in the Irish 15-6 victory over Australia.
Earlier this year Court was called up to the British and Irish Lions squad where he played one game against the Melbourne Rebels.
London Irish director of rugby, Brian Smith said: “Tom is a current Irish Test player and British & Irish Lion.
“He’s a terrific signing for the Club as we look to add steel to the pack. With David Paice and Halani Aulika extending their contracts it means we’ll be able to field an all International class front row next season.”
