Rugby Union: Ulster forward Iain Henderson signs three-year contract extensions

Ulster have confirmed that utility forward Iain Henderson has signed a new three-year contract.

The 22-year-old was fast-tracked into the Ireland squad having made his Ulster debut in April 2012 and he has since made 41 appearances for his province and 14 for his country.

"I am delighted to have signed for another three seasons and I am aiming to be an integral part of the team going forward," said Henderson.

"As a proud Ulsterman it remains a massive honour to play for Ulster Rugby. By signing a new contract, it allows me to focus on achieving my personal goals alongside the ambitions here at Kingspan Stadium. I am very much looking forward to the next three years."

Team manager Bryan Cunningham said: "Iain is without doubt one of the most exciting young players in European rugby. An exceptionally powerful runner with ball-in-hand, his strength and high work-rate around the park make him a vital member of our squad.

"As we seek to build a team around a core group of highly talented, homegrown Ulster players, retaining the services of someone like Iain was hugely important to us. 

"We know that with his ability and with what he has achieved already in the game that there were other leading European clubs extremely keen to sign him, therefore I am delighted that he has committed to his home province for a further three seasons."