Ulster sign All Black tighthead from Wasps

Ulster have announced the signing of one-cap All Black Jeff Toomaga-Allen from Wasps on a one year deal from next season.

The 31-year-old has been at the Coventry Building Society Arena since 2019, making 62 appearances for Wasps to date, but is part of a mass exodus of former All Blacks making the move to the United Rugby Championship at the end of the season, with Malakai Fekitoa joining Munster and Vaea Fifita joining the Scarlets. Compatriot Jimmy Gopperth is also parting ways with the club at the end of the season in order to join Midlands rivals Leicester Tigers.

The 6ft 4in tighthead will bring a wealth of experience to the Kingspan Stadium having won a Super Rugby title with the Hurricanes in 2016 and having started for Wasps in the 2020 Gallagher Premiership final. This is alongside his All Blacks cap he earned against Japan in 2013.

Toomaga-Allen said: “I’m really excited about the chance to join such a great club as Ulster. I’ve heard the fans are amazing, and I can’t wait to get stuck into next season.”

Ulster head coach Dan McFarland said: “Jeff has played at a high level in Super Rugby and the English Premiership for a number of years and as such he will bring considerable experience to bolster our tighthead roster, as well as being a great mentor for the younger players in our squad.

“We look forward to welcoming Jeff to Ulster.”

It was announced just over a week ago that the tighthead would be leaving Wasps at the end of the season, but now he has found a destination.

“Everyone at Wasps would like to thank Cameron, Michael, James, Rob, Pieter, Jeff and Marcus, along with their families, all the very best for the future,” said Wasps director of rugby Blackett.

“All seven players have shown immense dedication during their spells with us, and their contribution, both on and off the pitch, has been significant."