Ireland
Ian Humphreys goes back to his roots
ESPN Staff
May 7, 2014
Ulster fly-half Ian Humphreys lands a penalty, Ulster v Clermont Auvergne, Heineken Cup, Ravenhill, Belfast, Northern Ireland, November 12, 2011
Ian Humphreys ... back in Ulster colours © Getty Images
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Ian Humphreys has quit London Irish and returned to Ulster on a two-year deal.

Humphries, 32, moved from Ulster in 2012 and had previously played for Leicester. He will face stiff competition for the fly-half slot as Ulster also possess 22-year-old Irish international Paddy Jackson.

"I have loved my time at London Irish but when the unexpected opportunity to come home arose, it was a very easy decision to make," he said. "It's exciting to be part of a squad that's challenging in Europe and is at the top of the Pro12 every year. My wife and I are very much family people and we enjoy being in Northern Ireland.

"I am realistic. I know that Paddy is one of the best young players in Ireland, but I am competitive. It is up to me to push him and hopefully that will bring out the best in both of us."

Humphries brother, David, is Ulster's director of rugby and said he was pleased to have his brother back in the squad. "Ian brings significant experience to our squad in the highly important position of fly-half. He's learned a great deal in the past two seasons working with coaches like Brian Smith and Shaun Edwards and that knowledge can only benefit the young players we have coming through.

"With Paddy playing an increasingly important role with Ireland, Ian gives us another option at fly-half, something which is highly important if the team is going to be successful in the future."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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