Ulster have had talks with Hurricanes scrum-half Isaac Boss

Boss, who is still only 25, moved from the Chiefs at the end of last season when his progrerss was baulked by All Black scrum-half Byron Kelleher.

''We've been speaking to Isaac and his people for months, but there is no contract signed,'' said Ulster's Chief Executive Michael Reid.

''At present he's contracted for the Super 12 and the NPC with Waikato.''

Ulster had hoped of signing the Tokoroa-born player in time for this season's Heineken Cup programme but the move did not materialise.

Boss was a member of the New Zealand side that won the under-19 World Cup in 1999.

He played in every game for the Chiefs in 2003 and was a reserve the All Blacks trial.

He was forced to switch to full-back when Kelleher arrived with the Chiefs and moved to Wellington.

He is at present vying for the number nine jersey in the Super 12 side with Piri Weepu who toured Europe with the All Blacks in the autumn.

''We would like to get him out of his Waikato contract and bring him over here next summer,'' explained Reid.

A move by Boss would also have implications for Ireland who are not exactly flush with scrum-halves at present.

Peter Stringer and Guy Easterby are the two in charge at present with little coming through on the horizon.

Boss, of course, would have to battle with Ulster's resident incumbent Kieran Campbell who is playing the best rugby of his career at present.