Ulster boost as key duo extend deals

ULSTER’S preparations for tomorrow’s crucial Heineken Cup tie against Leicester have been given a welcome boost with confirmation that scrum-halves Ruan Pienaar and Paul Marshall have both signed contract extensions.

The duo have penned two-year deals which will keep them at Ravenhill until June 2014 when the IRFU’s controversial rule changes regarding the use of foreign players by Ulster, Munster and Leinster kicks in.

Pienaar was named Ulster and Magners League player of the year after his first full season in Belfast while the homegrown Marshall has been superb since grabbing his chance for more game time during the Springbok’s World Cup absence.