The Irish Rugby Football Union is unlikely to approve Ulster’s planned move to sign flyhalf Elton Jantjies.

Ulster have reportedly identified Jantjies as their No 1 target to replace Paddy Jackson, whose dual contract with the club and IRFU was revoked in April.

Ulster initially aimed to sign Joey Carbery from Leinster, but with news emerging that the 22-year-old Ireland international is set to either stay at his current club or move to Munster, Ulster have had to look elsewhere.

Jantjies’ contract with the Lions comes to an end at the conclusion of the current Super Rugby campaign and Ulster are believed to be keen to secure his services.

However, the potential move has been met with hesitancy and reluctance by the IRFU, which signs off on all foreign players joining Irish provinces.

According to the Belfast Telegraph, IRFU performance director David Nucifor is in favour of Ulster recruiting an Irish-qualified signing in order to boost the national side’s preparations for next year’s World Cup.

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