Thursday 26 November 2015 15:39, UK
Ireland hooker Rory Best has signed a new contract which keeps him at Ulster for the next two years.
Best, Ireland's most capped hooker with 89 appearances, played in all but one game of his country's recent World Cup campaign and will be part of a squad going for a hat-trick of Six Nations wins in the spring.
And the 33-year-old's new deal with the Irish Rugby Football Union extends an 11-year association with Ulster, for whom he has appeared 172 times.
"It is a great honour to play for Ulster and Ireland," he said. "I am privileged to have the opportunity to captain this talented group of Ulster players.
"Our challenge now is to deliver on the promise we have shown and reward our fans with strong performances."
Ulster's director of rugby Les Kiss said: "I have worked closely with Rory for a number of years in the national set up and the quality he delivers so consistently reflects his character and his talent.
"His leadership, tenacity and drive are incredibly important to what we are looking to achieve at Ulster Rugby."
And IRFU performance director David Nucifora said: "Rory contributes so much to Irish rugby both on and off the field. He is a model professional who has consistently performed at the top level for both club and country. We are delighted to have secured his services for a further two years."
