Darren Cave has signed a new three-year deal with Ulster and the IRFU that will keep him with the province until the summer of 2018.
Man-of-the-match in Ulster's last two home games, Cave has been in a fine run of form.
He said he was delighted to be staying with Ulster until 2018.
"I have total faith in the coaching and management set-up we have and I am excited about what this group can achieve in the coming seasons.”
Cave made his debut for Ulster as a replacement against Border Reivers in April 2007 and has represented the province on 144 occasions, scoring 152 points.
The 27-year-old won his first cap for Ireland, against Canada, in 2009 and has won eight international caps so far, the most recent of which came in the win over Georgia last month. He has also represented Ireland 'A' 11 times.
Ulster Manager, Bryn Cunningham, added: "Darren has been one of Ulster's most consistent performers over the last number of seasons.
“Aside from his considerable try-scoring record, his defensive organisation is outstanding in what can be the most difficult channel to defend.”
