Rugby:Stephen Ferris has committed his immediate future to Ulster by signing a two-year contract with the province that will see him stay at Ravenhill until at least June 2013.
The Ireland backrow, who was in the final year of his previous deal, has been a regular in the Ulster side since debuting against Borders in October 2005 and has since won a Six Nations title and Grand Slam.
Ferris, who was also a key player for the British and Irish Lions side that toured South Africa last year, said today it was his intention to win silverware with his native province before moving on.
“It means everything. This is home, I was born and raised here, Ulster is the team I’ve always followed and I have a huge desire to achieve something big with the club. I don’t want to leave Ulster without winning something.
Some of the credit for his decision to stay, he added, should go to former team-mate and current operations director David Humphreys.
“In many ways, David has made it very easy to stay. He has a vision for Ulster that I’ve bought into and he recruited well and built a squad that I’m delighted to remain a part of.”
Humphreys believes retaining a player like Ferris, after interest in him from abroad, shows the province’s commitment to homegrown talent.
“A huge amount has been written about our recruitment of overseas players over the past few months but the retention of Stephen for a further two years is an enormous boost for Ulster and Irish rugby,” said the former Ireland outhalf.
“Ulster’s long term success will be built upon Ulster born players and despite interest from throughout Europe, Stephen’s decision to re-sign with the Province is a very clear indication that he believes we are moving in the right direction.”