Dan moved from Premiership side Exeter Chiefs, on a two year contract with Ulster, and began pre-season training with the squad in July 09.

Having come through a strong academy system in the Guinness Premiership, the Irish-qualified lock already has Irish U21 honours to his name. Dan made his first professional rugby appearance for Gloucester against London Irish in 2007, and received the Man of the Match award.

Dan has displayed his excellent ability in the line out and also shown an excellent turn of pace in his outings for the Ulstermen this season and his superb performances earned him a start against Scotland A for the Ireland Wolfhounds.