Rugby:Johann Muller has agreed a one-year contract extension with Ulster. The South African will remain with the province until June 2013, having arrived at Ravenhill from Natal Sharks last summer.

“I’m delighted to extend my contract with Ulster Rugby by another year,” said the lock said today. “I’ve really enjoyed my first season with Ulster, not only in terms of rugby but also personally. The people of Northern Ireland have been great to me and my family so staying an extra year wasn’t a decision we had to think about for long.

“It was a successful season for us and we are taking steps in the right direction, but the players and the coaching staff need to keep working hard for next season. Teams are judged on silverware and we have nothing to show for our season. We are determined to win something for the trophy cabinet at Ravenhill next season and to do that we must keep improving.

“I’ve been in the fantastic position of having a leadership role within the squad. I hope I can keep trying to help the younger players and they keep improving. The more games they play and the more experience they get will be of benefit to themselves and Ulster. If, in a couple of years I leave Ulster and have managed to help a few players develop, I will be delighted with that.”

Muller has captained Ulster on a number of occasions this season when Rory Best was out injured.

He started all but four competitive games and was a key contributor to a vastly improved season for the province, in which they reached the Heineken Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1999 - when they won the competition - and Magners League semi-finals.