South African winger Werner Kok will join Ulster from the Sharks in the summer, the Irish province have confirmed.
Kok, 31, will move to Belfast on a two-year deal.
A former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, Kok has played for Durban-based Sharks since 2020.
“I am looking forward to starting a new adventure in my career with Ulster Rugby and can’t wait to become an Ulster man,” said Kok.
“I want to thank Ulster and the team for this incredible opportunity. I hope to make you proud on and off the field.
“Moving from South Africa will be a big change for me and my wife but it’s a challenge that we are very excited for. See you soon Belfast!”
Kok, who can also play in midfield and has the nickname ‘Tarzan’, won 2014 Commonwealth Games gold and Olympic bronze at Rio in 2016 with the Springboks Sevens team.
Having played for Western Province and Toulouse, Kok has impressed for the Sharks in recent seasons, scoring five tries in the 2023-24 United Rugby Championship season.
Ulster face the Sharks in their next game in Durban on 23 March.
“Werner will add something different to our group with his vast experience across the Sevens game and 15s, where he has showcased his own exciting brand of rugby,” said Ulster’s head of rugby operations and recruitment Bryn Cunningham.
“I think he will fit in well with the talented backs in the squad, as we look to develop our options in the backfield.
“Werner’s competitiveness and tenacity in both an attacking sense and defensively, will fit right in with the energy we want this team to play with.”
Ulster are currently without a head coach following Dan McFarland’s departure last month.
Assistant coach Dan Soper took charge for the win over the Dragons with Ireland under-20s head coach Richie Murphy set to lead the team until the end of the season following the conclusion of the Under-20 Six Nations.
