Keynan Knox will make the move to Ulster this summer following a season in the French Pro D2 with USON Nevers.
The powerful South African-born tighthead has previously played for French Nationale side CS Bourgoin-Jallieu, after spending over six years with Munster Rugby.
He attended the renowned Michaelhouse School and was offered a place in the Munster Rugby Academy at 18 years of age, having impressed for his province KwaZulu-Natal at age-grade level.
Knox made a total of 33 appearances for Munster, and featured eight times during the season that they won the BKT United Rugby Championship title in 2023.
Irish-qualified through residency, the 27-year-old now returns to Irish Rugby following a two-year stint in France, with an ambition to progress his game in Ulster.
Commenting on the news, he said: "I am delighted to be joining Ulster Rugby this summer, and I can't wait to meet the staff and my new team-mates in pre-season.
"Since leaving Ireland, I have gained more playing experience in France and feel I am coming back a more well-rounded player.
"I am looking forward to joining a very talented team and developing myself by working alongside international players. See you all soon."
Ulster Rugby's General Manager, Rory Best, added: "We are very pleased to be bringing Keynan back into Irish Rugby, and have no doubt he can make an impact for us going forward.
"He has an excellent physical profile and is strong around the set-piece.
"With Clarke Dermody coming in as our new forwards coach, we believe that Keynan will really benefit from working alongside him and competing with our talented forwards.
"At 27 years of age, he has the best years of his career ahead of him and we are excited to see what he can bring."
