Ulster have announced that new signing Ruan Pienaar will arrive at Ravenhill in September.
The province had already confirmed the acquisition of the South Africa international on a two-year deal but doubts remained over exactly when he would be cleared by current club Natal Sharks to make the move north.
However, on Wednesday it was confirmed that Pienaar has been granted an early release from his Sharks contract, meaning he will effectively be free to link up with Brian McLaughlin's squad on September 1.
However, the province explained that Pienaar will be allowed to remain in South Africa for the Boks' Tri-Nations clash with Australia in Bloemfontein on September 4 should he be named in the world champions' match-day squad.
Despite the likely delay, Ulster Rugby Operations Director David Humphreys was in ebullient mood after putting the finishing touches on the deal.
"We're delighted to have concluded the contract negotiations around Ruan's move to Ulster," the former Ireland fly-half said.
"I would like to thank the Natal Sharks for their help in the matter and for agreeing to Ruan's early release from his Sharks contract.
"We look forward to welcoming Ruan to Belfast in September. He is without doubt one of the biggest signings made in Ulster Rugby's history and I'm confident that he will be a key asset to us both on and off the pitch."