Ireland and Lions wing Tommy Bowe will return to Ulster from The Ospreys at the end of the current season.
The 28-year-old Bowe has been released early from his contract with the Welsh club to allow him to take up a new contract with the IRFU and to play in Ulster for the next three seasons.
Bowe is looking forward to returning to Belfast, telling the Irish RFU webside: "Obviously, I have mixed emotions. I'm sad to be leaving a club and a region that I have been proud to call my home for the last three years and that has improved me immeasurably both as a rugby player and as a person.
"I am indebted to the staff, coaches, management, team mates and fans of the Ospreys, for welcoming me so warmly and making my time here so special.
"That said, I am also delighted to be returning to Ulster, the Province I grew up wanting to play for and where my family live.
"David Humphreys was a mentor of mine in my early playing days and we have remained friends during my time at the Ospreys. His vision for Ulster is impressive, with Ulster born players at the core of this vision.
" I hope to repay the IRFU and Ulster's faith in me by contributing to a team that is already delivering.
"The vibe at Ulster is undeniably positive. I've been training and playing with some of the Ulster boys during the Six Nations and there is a real energy and sense of anticipation as to what lies ahead for this Ulster team".
Ulster Director of Rugby David Humphreys added: "We are delighted to be in a position to finally confirm that Tommy will be playing his rugby with Ulster next season and I'd like to thank the IRFU for their assistance in bringing him home.
"Skillful, physical, and a proven finisher with a knack of being in the right place at the right time, there's no doubt that Tommy has consistently been one of European rugby's best players over the past few seasons and he'll bring a lot of experience and flair to our backline."
Bowe played for Ulster between 2005-'08 making 91 appearances, scoring 34 tries and playing in the side which won the 2004/05 Celtic League. He has won 47 caps and scored 24 tries for Ireland, including two in last weekend's 17-17 draw with France in Paris.