Ulster complete triple signing of Bello, Knox and Mullins

Ulster have completed the signings of props Eduardo Bello and Keynan Knox as well as back Chay Mullins.

Bello and Mullins arrive on one-year deals while Knox joins the province on a two-year contract.

Argentine Bello, who has won 26 caps for Los Pumas and has featured in the Rugby Championship and Rugby World Cup, arrives from Newcastle Red Bulls.

He won a Premiership title while playing for Saracens and also spent five years with Zebre.

"We are delighted to be bringing in someone of Eduardo's top-level international experience, quality and profile into the squad this summer," Ulster general manager Rory Best said.

"A key focus of our recruitment for next season has been to target adding more leadership and physicality to our forward pack, and Eduardo will be an exciting addition to our squad.

"He brings a winning mentality, with a drive to get back into the international set-up with Argentina and I know that he is eager to get going.

"We have a number of young props coming through the system who will benefit from training and competing against him in training."

Knox, who is Ireland-qualified through residency joins Ulster after a spell with French Pro D2 side USON Nevers.

The 27-year-old South African has also played for CS Bourgoin-Jallieu and Munster.

He racked up 33 appearances during his six-year stint with Munster, featuring eight times in the United Rugby Championship winning season in 2023.

"I am delighted to be joining Ulster Rugby this summer, and I can't wait to meet the staff and my new teammates in pre-season," said Knox.

"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.

Mullins, a versatile back three player who qualifies for Ireland through his Cavan-born grandmother, arrives after coming through at Connacht.

The 24-year-old was part of the Ireland sevens team that won the Rugby Europe Sevens Championship Series in 2023 and also featured in the side that went to the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

He scored a hat-trick of tries on his Connacht debut against Zebre in December 2024 and previously worked with Ulster head coach Richie Murphy in the Ireland Under-20s.

"This is a really exciting move for me, and I was delighted to have this opportunity. I know the coaching staff very well from my time at the Irish 20s under Richie and having worked with Mark Sexton at Connacht," Mullins explained

"I also know Zac [Ward] very well after being around the world with him with the sevens, so I'm looking forward to being reunited with him as a teammate.

"Having watched Ulster last season, it was clear to see the freedom they are playing in attack and I feel that suits my game. Hopefully I can add to the team and progress as a player."