Ian Humphreys has spent three seasons with the Tigers

Ulster have signed Leicester Tigers fly-half Ian Humphreys on a two-year deal.

The 25-year-old Ireland A and under-21 star has agreed to return home after three years with the Premiership side.

Humphreys had signed a two-year contract with the Tigers but he's eager to play for the Magners League team.

"I'm really pleased to be coming back to Ulster - everyone who grows up in Ulster wants to play for the province, and I'm no different," he said.

Interview: Matt Williams

"When the chance came long I took it and I'm really looking forward to it.

"It will be great playing alongside a lot of guys that I have grow up with and played alongside at various levels."

Humphreys played on the same 2000 Ulster Schools' Cup final side as Bryan Young and Matt McCullough.

He will bolster up Ulster's half-back quota now that his older and much-honoured brother David is retiring at the end of the season.

He has improved immeasurably in his game and physically. He will be a great asset. Matt Williams

He added: "David has always been there for me, I have talked to him about things and he told me that everything is going well under Matt Williams and he likes the way things are being run."

Ulster coach Williams said the signing was a "real boost" for the side.

"With the very promising Niall O'Connor already making great progress, a bit of competitiveness for the number 10 jersey will be excellent.

"I have watched Ian many times when he played for Dungannon, and for the Ireland A side. He has improved immeasurably in his game and physically. He will be a great asset."

Williams also said that Ulster were very close to signing at least three or four more players.

"We have had handshakes on some deals, but until the contracts are signed and with the IRFU it would not be right to say anything just yet.

"But we hope to make a few announcements next week."

Humphreys will join up with the Ulster squad for pre-season training in June.