Rugby: All Black prop signs with Ulster

All Black and Blues prop John Afoa. Photo / Getty Images

All Black and Blues prop John Afoa has signed to play for Irish club Ulster following the Rugby World Cup.

The 27-year-old has agreed on a two-and-a-half year deal and will assemble with his new club on December 1 in Belfast.

Afoa, who has played 28 tests for the All Blacks, admits it was a tough decision for him to make but he and his family are looking forward to their new adventure.

"I've got a long and tough Super Rugby season ahead of me yet and hopefully an All Black one, so that is where my head has to be right now. But I am pretty excited about having made the decision to head to Ulster later this year," says Afoa.

At the tender age of 18, Afoa made his debut for Auckland after a distinguished career in New Zealand age group and schools rugby.

He debuted for the Blues in 2004 and the following year was selected for both the Junior All Blacks and the All Blacks.

Ironically, Afoa made his All Black debut against Ireland in Dublin in 2005.

Afoa is one of the senior members of the Blues with 87 caps and will be sorely missed in the No.3 jersey

"John is a powerful prop with many skills to his game. He is a great runner and ball handler as well as a good team man.

"Everyone at Auckland Rugby and the Blues will be sorry to see him go after this season, but he and his young family will head off with our best wishes," says Blues CEO Andy Dalton.