Ulster issue statement explaining why they won't sign Stephen Donald

Ulster Rugby have released a statement explaining why they won't be signing former All Black flyhalf Stephen Donald.

The statement reads: "Unfortunately, Ulster Rugby is not in a position to proceed with the signing of Stephen Donald, after receiving a medical report on the player yesterday (Sunday).

"Stephen had agreed a short-term deal to join the Province, but he sustained an injury while representing his club in the final game of the Japanese season, which will rule him out for 4+ weeks.

"The timeline now makes it very difficult to find a suitable replacement, but we will continue to monitor the market."

Earlier this month Ulster’s Director of Rugby Less Kiss said: “We have got a new person to replace Christian and we will announce that in due course. It’s an overseas player and all that has been cleared so no problems.”

Christian Lealifano joined from Brumbies on a short-term deal in August and is due to head back to the Super Rugby side in early 2018. He was called in as a rush replacement for Paddy Jackson, who is currently before the courts on a rape charge.