Ulster have received a welcome boost with James Hume and Tom O'Toole both agreeing long-term contract extensions with the province.
The Ireland internationals have both signed three-year deals, which will see them remain in Belfast until the summer of 2027, while Irish-qualified back row Sean Reffell has also extended his contract until 2026.
Hume, who captained the side against the Dragons on Saturday, has already played 90 times for his home province since his debut in September 2018.
Since establishing himself as the first-choice outside centre for Ulster in the 2019/20 season, the 25-year-old has also earned three caps for Ireland, the last of which came against Italy in the 2022 Guinness Six Nations.
O'Toole has also agreed a three-year extension, with the 25-year-old already just two games short of his century with the province.
The Drogheda native grew up in Australia before returning to Ireland in his teens, and moved from Campbell College to Ulster's academy at the age of 19.
The powerful tighthead prop made his debut along with Hume in Ireland's summer Test with the USA in 2021, and has gone on to feature 13 times for Andy Farrell's side, with the most recent of those caps coming against Italy last month.
Back row Reffell has signed a two-year extension. The flanker, who joined from Saracens in the summer of 2022, was limited to just three games for the province in his debut season after a serious ankle injury.
Since returning to action in January, the former Saracens' Young Player of the Year has impressed, playing in four of his side's last six games in all competitions.
The contract extensions come during a difficult time for Ulster, who parted company with head coach Dan McFarland two weeks ago.
Assistant Dan Soper filled in as caretaker for last week's win over Dragons, while Ireland U20 head coach Richie Murphy is set to take over on an interim basis after the Six Nations.
In addition, the province are set to lose some experienced players, with Billy Burns, Will Addison and Luke Marshall among those rumoured to be departing.
"While there will be some change in the look and size of the overall squad, we're confident about what we’re building for the upcoming seasons, with these three players showcasing our direction of travel as a province," Ulster's head of rugby operations and recruitment Bryn Cunningham said.
"James exemplifies the pipeline of homegrown players being developed through our provincial club and schools’ pathway that are going on to represent Ulster at the highest level. He has relished becoming a key leader within the squad and will have a big part to play in Ulster’s plans moving forward.
"With Tom, his progression as a tight-head prop is on show through his continued Ireland involvement, and the performances he delivers in the white of Ulster. The exciting thing for the supporters is that his best years are still ahead of him.
"Although unfortunate with a couple of injuries, the impact Sean has made in the games he has played has been off the charts in terms of energy and involvements. I’m really looking forward to his continued impact over the coming seasons."
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