South African World Cup winner Duane Vermeulen is one of 10 players confirmed to be departing Ulster come the end of the season.
It always looked likely that Vermeulen would be heading for the exit door at Kingspan given the IRFU’s policy of not having two non-Irish players in one position after the province announced the arrival of flanker Dave Ewers from Exeter Chiefs.
It's a similar story for tighthead prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, who despite impressing of late, finds himself in direct competition with Tom O’Toole and Marty Moore.
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Joining Vermeulen and Toomaga-Allen departing Ulster are Craig Gilroy, Rob Lyttle, Jordi Murphy, Sam Carter, Gareth Milasinovich, Rory Sutherland, Declan Moore and Frank Bradshaw-Ryan.
The 10 players have a combined total of nearly 500 caps for the province and supporters will have the opportunity to say a fond farewell to them at Friday night's United Rugby Championship quarter-final against Connacht.
“All of the players moving on from Ulster can be rightly proud of what they have given to our province, both on and off the pitch," Head Coach Dan McFarland, said.
“It seems fitting that we get to recognise their contribution to the club in front of a home crowd at Kingspan Stadium on one of the biggest nights of our season.
“I know the supporters will join me, and the wider playing group and staff at Ulster, in thanking the guys for the part they have played in our ambitions as a squad, and some unforgettable memories for us all when they lined-out in the white jersey.”
Tickets are still available for Friday’s game, click here for more info.
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