Ulster lock in two stalwarts

NEWS: Ulster hooker Rob Herring and captain Iain Henderson has commited to the Irish province for one and two years respectively.

Herring, Ulster’s most capped player, has signed a new one-year extension with the club, keeping him in an Ulster jersey until at least 2026.

The Cape Town born hooker marked his spot in the province’s history books when he made his 230th appearance last season against Munster at Kingspan Stadium.

Herring is a key man for club and country, having earned over 40 caps for Ireland on the international stage, winning a Grand Slam and playing in the 2023 World Cup.

A natural leader in the squad, Herring is a strong threat for Ulster at set pieces, with his line-out darts, scrummaging, and finishing ability being big strengths in his game.

On the news, Herring added: “I’m delighted to sign with the club for another year. Belfast feels like home to me now and it’s always an honour to wear the jersey.

“I’m enjoying my role as one of the experienced players in an exciting young squad. I look forward to competing on the pitch but also helping the next generation come through.

“There’s a lot of excitement around the squad at the moment and hopefully plenty more special days ahead.”

Ulster’s Head of Recruitment and Rugby Operations, Bryn Cunningham, added: “Rob is a hugely influential player within the squad. He is someone who can lead and demands respect in the dressing room.

“When he plays you can see the experience he brings and the quality in his work, particularly at set-piece. We have a number of young hookers in the squad and there aren’t many better players to learn from and compete for minutes with than Rob.

“His leadership and mentorship will be vital in pushing Ulster forward, as we look to develop a very competitive team.”

Iain Henderson, has also committed his future to the province, signing a two-year deal that will keep him playing in an Ulster jersey until at least 2027.

The 32-year-old lock is a stalwart of the senior men’s side, having surpassed 150 caps for Ulster since making his debut back in April 2012.

An Ireland international, he has made over 80 apperances for Ireland, having been a key member of five Six Nations Championship victories and three Rugby World Cup campaigns.

He has also had the honour of two British and Irish Lions tours, in 2017 and 2021.

Commenting on his new deal, Henderson said:

“I’m delighted to sign with Ulster for another two years and feel energised about leading this group, which can keep growing in the months to come.

We are building a team with a new core of players coming through the ranks and I believe there is the talent and experience to drive us forward.

As a proud Ulsterman, I love playing for the club and I’m excited for us going forward.”