Ulster Rugby have confirmed several of their young stars have signed up for the 2010/11 season and beyond, with young talent including Chris Henry, Willie Faloon and Ian Whitten all set to stick with the Red Hand men.
Hooker Nigel Brady, 65 times capped by Ulster, has also re-signed.
Henry, 25, who made his debut in the 2008/9, has been outstanding for the province this year, captaining the side in the absence of Rory Best.
The Wallace High School graduate welcomed the progress made by Ulster under head coach Brian McLaughlin, adding that he hoped Ulster would continue to progress in both the Magners League and Heineken Cup.
He said: ‘I believe the squad has moved a considerable distance over the past twelve months, and has now become a young vibrant side. Ulster has become a challenging team, both in the Magners League and Heineken Cup, and will continue to go from strength to strength. I am really pleased that I will be part of the team for years' to come.
‘They are a great bunch of guys in the squad, and there is some fantastic talent coming through, so the future with Ulster is looking really exciting.’
Commenting on the signings, former Ulster and Ireland star out-half, now Ulster Rugby Operations Director, David Humphreys said: ‘The Management team at Ulster are delighted that we have been able to re-sign key home grown talent to the squad.
'Our focus is to continually build on the foundations set and mould a powerful Ulster side, consisting mainly of indigenous players, with a number of high profile overseas signings. It has been great to see young players coming through the ranks and making their mark.'
'We are very close to completing the squad for the 2010/2011 season. Over the next few weeks we will aim to announce the majority of our contract news.'
The new contracts announced today also include Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy players scrum half, Ian Porter, centre/wing Nevin Spence, prop Adam Macklin and prop Paddy McAllister, who have all signed one year contracts with Ulster Rugby, as has Belfast Harlequins player Neil McComb.
Commenting on the Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy player signings, Academy Manager Gary Longwell, a former Ulster and Ireland second row, said: ‘These contracts are a testament that the Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy system is working, and working well. Credit must be given to the Schools' coaches who have worked tremendously hard with these players to get them to such a standard, the Academy staff then build on this work, to bridge the gap between the school and professional game.
‘David Humphreys and Brian McLaughlin have recognised the home grown talent available, and have given these players a chance to excel. The challenge is now on the players to push their way into the Ulster squad and make the positions their own.
‘These players are the future of Ulster and hopefully future Irish internationals, having all played at Irish under20's level.’
