Ulster Rugby welcome New Zealand star Charles Piutau to Belfast

It was in March 2015 that operations director, Bryn Cunningham, announced the All Black would be coming to the Kingspan Stadium.

He has played with Aviva Premiership club Wasps for the last season and his impressive performances led to some concern that he may not actually complete his move to Ulster.

But Cunningham made numerous assurances and on Tuesday evening Piutau finally touched down at George Best Belfast City Airport to start his two year contract.

Met by Cunningham at the airport, a smiling Piutau said it had been a long time in coming but he was delighted to finally be here.

“I am excited about getting down to the Kingspan and meeting everyone and starting training.

“And I have heard so much about what it is like on match nights so I cannot wait for my first run out on the Kingspan pitch in front of the fans.”

Ulster have returned to training ahead of the new season.

Later on Wednesday Ulster will know their opponents in the European Champions Cup when the draw is made for the tournament involving clubs from the Guinness PRO12, Aviva Premiership and French and Italian leagues.