Boost for Ulster as players commit future
Four Ulster players have signed two-year extensions to their deals at Kingspan.
Robert Baloucoune (main picture), Luke Marshall (below), Alan O'Connor and rising Academy star Aaron Sexton will remain at Ulster until 2023.
Baloucoune (22), who is currently sidelined with injury, has had an impressive start to his life at Ulster scoring 12 tries since making his debut in 2018.
The Enniskillen man said: "I’m excited to be part of this Ulster team, and what we can strive to achieve for in the near future. I’d like to thank the coaching staff and physios who have helped me through my long-term injury this season and I can’t wait to be back playing again.”
Ulster Rugby Head Coach, Dan McFarland, praised Baloucoune for his "sensational form".
"Rob's proven himself to be a prolific try-scorer as well as a superb defender," he added.
"He’s been unlucky with injury this season, but he is not far off making his return which we’re all looking forward to.”
Centre, Marshall has made 144 appearances for Ulster since joining from the Academy in 2009.
O'Connor, meanwhile, has been singled out for his leadership qualities - and skippered the side in December.
Sexton who is just 20, will spend one year as a Development player, before being upgraded to a Senior Professional contract for the following season.
“It means a lot to me reaching this next step in my career, and I can’t thank everyone enough who helped get me to where I am," he said.
"I’m really looking forward to working hard in the months ahead having had my first taste of senior rugby this year.”