BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | Kempson raring to go

''I believe that Alan has some of the best coaching staff in the world,'' said Kempson.

''Solly's results over the years speak for themselves.

''He did extremely well for the Stormers, and when he was with the Springboks as assistant, he was a big influence in the international team's performance.

''His ability speaks for itself. Anyway, I get on with Solly very well personally,'' said Kempson, a piano-playing front-row forward of some repute.

''The recovery from my neck injury has been great. Now I can't wait to get started in earnest.

Maturity

''I arrived on Wednesday, started training on Thursday, so everything is fine at present.

''I had my last competitive game last October when I played in the Currie Cup final, so I can't wait to get back into action.''

Kempson, who made his international debut against Ireland back in 1998, is not fazed by the fact that he's tossed away more international honours just when he has reached maturity as a prop forward,

But he feels that things are not just right back home, so he is looking for fresh horizons.

''It is time for a change,'' he said. ''Due to some unforseen circumstances in South African rugby, it was best for me to move on and start a new chapter in my rugby career.

Ulster coach Alan Solomons bought Kempson to Ulster
Solomons is re-united with Stormers prop Kempson

''I could have one a few more caps, I'm sure.

''But there are things going on in South African rugby that are not above board, so it was time for me to move,'' said Kempson without going into more detail.

Kempson, who started rugby life in Natal before moving to Cape Town in 1999, is not bothered on which side of the front row he operates.

''I'm primarily a tight-head, but obviously I will be swapping sides of the scrum as Solly sees fit during games, he said.

Kempson spent three years on the Springbok bench before finally winning his first cap under Nick Mallett during Ireland's summer tour to South Africa.

''I learned then that Ireland players enjoy themselves.

''I like the way the Irish play the game for a start.

''They are fantastic people, and they play the game for the love of the sport.

Dream

''They are never too worried about whatever else is involved in the game.

''They love playing, and they put everything into it,'' said Kempson, who makes no bones of what he wants in life.

''Obviously I want to do well at Ulster and looking forward to doing well in the Heineken Cup.

''It's been always a dream of mine to win a major competition like that. That's a real incentive.

''Also there are a number of good youngsters in Ulster, whom I would love to help on their way and give them a bit of what I got out of rugby.''