Munster supporters have been handed a boost today with the news that CJ Stander has signed a new two-year contract with the province.
Stander's new deal will see him remain with Munster until at least June 2018.
Since joining the province in October 2012 Stander has gone on to make 69 appearances and has scored 22 tries.
In making 26 appearances last season, Stander picked up seven man-of-the-match awards and was named the Munster Rugby Player of the Year in April, becoming the first overseas player to be awarded the accolade.
The back row said: "I am delighted to be committing my future to Munster Rugby. This is very much home for me and it is a huge honour to represent the red jersey every week.
"I look forward to continuing my journey with the team and supporters.”
Munster head coach Anthony Foley added: "Getting this news at this stage of the seasons is a great boost for the squad.
"In securing the services of CJ for a further two years we are holding on to a key player within our group, one that gives everything to the jersey each week.
"At such a young age he has shown his leadership qualities on and off the field and we know there is still more to come so we look forward to working with CJ in to the future.”
Ulster also received a lift after it was confirmed that Ireland international Rob Herring has signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at Kingspan Stadium until the summer of 2018.
The 25-year-old hooker has amassed 79 appearances for Ulster and scored three tries since making his debut in the Pro12 against Glasgow Warriors in August 2012. He continues to vie for a starting berth with Ireland's most-capped hooker Rory Best.
Herring's provincial form has been rewarded with multiple call-ups to Ireland squads and he made his international bow in June 2014 after coming off the bench in an end-of-season tour match against Argentina. He was included in Ireland's extended squad ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign.
He was appointed as Ulster captain during the recent World Cup, highlighting his importance to the province.
"I'm very happy to be staying," he said. "The last three years have gone really quickly for me and I've enjoyed every minute of it. It's particularly enjoyable playing at Kingspan Stadium in front of our home crowd - you can't ask for a better stadium to play at.
"Captaining Ulster while Rory was away at the World Cup was massive highlight for me and it was a proud moment that I'll remember forever.
"I've really enjoyed my time at Ulster over the past three seasons. It's a top side in Europe and in the Pro12 and we're always pushing to win competitions, so it's a great place for me to be.”
