Edinburgh have confirmed that Ulster back Michael Allen will join the club this summer.
The 24-year-old, who can play either at wing or centre, joins Alan Solomons’ side on a two-year deal which takes him through to May 2017.
A former pupil of Methodist College Belfast, his peers included Luke Marshall, Craig Gilroy and Paddy Jackson who also joined Ulster’s Academy straight from school.
But Allen admits his move from Belfast to the Scottish capital will take him right out of his comfort zone.
He said: “I’ve never lived anywhere else, always been in Belfast, and I’m probably a bit of a homebird.
“I do love the city and everything that comes with it but I’m looking forward to making a change, starting afresh.
“Apart from playing Edinburgh at BT Murrayfield over the last few years, I’ve only ever been to the city twice to visit, both times with rugby school tours.”
What has also excited Allen is the progress of Edinburgh this season and the style of play developing within the club.
He said: “Edinburgh have played some brilliant rugby this year and shown the potential of being a very, very good side. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and trying to spring anything I can.”