Rugby:Australian fullback Adam D'Arcy has extended his contract with Ulster by another two years. The 25-year-old will remain with the province until at least 2013 having bedded in well since his arrival on a two-week trial last summer.
D’Arcy, whose grandfather hails from Tipperary, is eligible for Ireland. He has played 20 games for Ulster this season, scoring three tries.
“I’m very grateful to Ulster for giving me a chance on a one-year contract this year,” said the former Manly player. “I’ve enjoyed my time here so far and think I’ve learned a lot and experienced a lot. I’m really looking forward to the next two years.
“We’ve shown this year that there’s a lot this team can do and we’re heading in the right direction and I want to be a part of that.
“It took me a little while to settle once I arrived and find my feet, but since I’ve had the chance to start and cement my place in the team I’ve really enjoyed playing for Ulster and with guys like Andrew Trimble and Rory Best who are international calibre players.
“The coaching staff have really helped me improve my game and I feel that with the staff and this group of players I can go further and we can go further as a team.”
Ulster’s Director of Rugby David Humphreys added: “We brought in Adam last summer as an unknown prospect but he has certainly proved himself this season and has become an important member of our team
“If we want to compete at the highest level we need depth and quality in our squad and we feel that Adam adds just that to our line-up.”
Retaining D’Arcy, however, means there will be fewer chances for 22-year-old fullback Jamie Smith, who has agreed to join Newport Gwent Dragons in the summer.
He made 16 appearances for the province since breaking through in 2009.
Both D’Arcy and Smith have been named in a preliminary 33-man squad for Saturday night’s Magners League clash against Leinster at the RDS (8.0pm).
Brian McLaughlin has named a preliminary 33 man squad ahead of Saturday’s Magners League clash with Leinster at the RDS (KO 8.00pm).
Conor Gaston, Tommy Seymour and Neil McComb return to the squad but Declan Fitzpatrick misses out due to injury.
Ulster will hope to bounce back from the disappointment of their Heineken Cup exit to Northampton as they bid to record their seventh consecutive win in the competition.
David Humphreys is aware they face a tough task in keeping their unbeaten run going, describing Leinster as “the most complete team in Europe.”
Leinster have won their last 24 home regular season games in the Magners League, while Ulster have failed to beat Irish opposition in four attempts this season, the closest of which was a 15-15 draw with Connacht in September.
Ulster squad – Backs:Ruan Pienaar, Paul Marshall, Ian Humphreys, Niall O'Connor, Ian Whitten, Nevin Spence, Paddy Wallace, Darren Cave, Andrew Trimble, Simon Danielli, Tommy Seymour, Craig Gilroy, Conor Gaston, Jamie Smith, Adam D'Arcy.
Forwards:Jerry Cronin, Tom Court, BJ Botha, Paddy McAllister, Bryan Young, Rory Best, Nigel Brady, Andi Kyriacou, Ryan Caldwell, Neil McComb, Dan Tuohy, Johann Muller, Tim Barker, Pedrie Wannenburg, TJ Anderson, Willie Faloon, Chris Henry, Robbie Diack.
