Ulster have locked down two more of their pack for the foreseeable future after agreeing contract extensions with both hooker John Andrew and loosehead prop Eric O’Sullivan beyond the end of the season.
Andrew has agreed a one-year deal that will take him up to next summer, while O’Sullivan has added another year onto that, keeping him at Ravenhill until June 2027.
Both have played important roles under Richie Murphy this season, particularly Andrew in the continued absence of international pair Rob Herring and Tom Stewart, splitting time with up-and-coming star James McCormick.
The 31-year-old from Ballymena is rapidly closing on the ten-year anniversary of his debut for the province and has since gone on to make 128 appearances for the province.
“I’m very happy to be staying on for another season with Ulster Rugby,” commented Andrew.
“It’s always an honour for me every chance I get to play for Ulster, and I’ll be doing everything I can to contribute to the team both on and off the pitch for the rest of this season and beyond.”
Meanwhile, O’Sullivan has largely shared the load with Andrew Warwick at loosehead, the 29-year-old one-time Ireland international having been a consistent and reliable performer since swapping Leinster for Ulster.
The Dubliner is only three games shy of Andrew’s mark for the province since his debut in 2018 and has since gone on to assume a coaching role with the Ulster Women’s team as well.
“I’m delighted to sign for the next couple of seasons with Ulster. I feel very at home here and enjoy playing with of a great group of lads. We are developing a squad for the future and I’m excited to be a part of that,” commented O’Sullivan.
On the latest re-signings, Ulster’s general manager Bryn Cunningham added: “Securing Eric and John’s futures were an important part of shaping our squad for the months ahead.
“Eric’s mobility round the park and capacity to grow at scrum time over the coming months, under Jimmy Duffy’s tutelage, mean we genuinely believe his best years are yet to come in an Ulster shirt.
“John has shown this season how important he is for us, as we have been hit hard on the injury front with our group of hookers.
“He brings a wealth of experience to a relatively young squad, is incredibly popular amongst his peers, and continues to be a key cultural leader within the group.”
The latest re-signings moves Ulster one step closer to finishing off their mid-season business, although they still have some key names to tie down to deals beyond the end of the season, with the likes of Robert Baloucoune, John Cooney, Alan O’Connor and Matty Rea all still out of contract this summer.