It has been a long wait since 30 January 1999. That was the day Ulster lifted the European Cup at the old Lansdowne Road. Since then they have never qualified for the knock-out stages of the competition.

This weekend, however, I expect Ulster to carve out that all-important win against Aironi which will take them into the quarter-finals.

It is certainly not a foregone conclusion, but Ulster have beaten Aironi twice this season and their form away from home has much improved - notably those wins on the road against Cardiff, Treviso and Bath before Christmas.

Will there be more scenes of celebration after Ulster play Aironi on Saturday?

A runners-up spot in the group is guaranteed with a four-point victory, a bonus point win may just secure a home draw in the last eight - depending on what form Bath turn up in for their match against Biarritz.

Last week's success at Ravenhill reminded me of those famous European triumphs almost 12 seasons ago which helped propel Ulster to the cup win.

Toulouse, the most successful team in the competition, were beaten twice and Stade Francais once.

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At last. The most high-profile signing in the history of Ulster rugby arrives in Belfast this week.

Fans should be able to catch a glimpse of South African international Ruan Pienaar at Ravenhill this weekend as he samples his first Friday night experience.

The 26-year-old won't be in a white shirt just yet - his playing debut will more than likely to be the following week away to Connacht.

Pienaar is a utility back and can play play either scrum-half, fly-half or full-back but I am told he is coming to Ulster to play exclusively at number nine.

The signing of South Africam scrum-half shows Ulster have big ambitions

"Ruan who?" was the jocular response from the player who presently holds the shirt, when I asked him about Pienaar's imminent arrival.

Paul Marshall, who has made a fine start to this season, will no doubt continue to progress and gain valuable experience by working alongside the Springbok.

Pienaar is undoubtedly one of the most naturally gifted young players in the world game, but he may not turn out to be Ulster's most important signing this year. I think that player is Stevie Ferris.

The Irish international is one of the most in-demand players in the game and his decision this week to spend another two years with Ulster signals his intent to win silverware with his own province.

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