Ulster lock Dan Tuohy into three more years at Ravenhill

Ireland international lock, Dan Tuohy, has agreed a three-year contract extension with Ulster that will keep him at Kingspan Stadium until at least the summer of 2018.

Tuohy signed for Ulster from Exeter Chiefs in the summer of 2009 and has made 118 appearances for the province so far.

The 29-year-old made a try scoring international debut for Ireland against the All Blacks in 2010.

He has won nine caps in total and made two appearances in last season’s RBS 6 Nations championship win before injury cut his participation short.

Tuohy has also represented Ireland at U21 level and has four caps for Ireland A.

Touhy said last night: “I am delighted to have signed a new contract with Ulster. I have been here almost six years now and although Ulster Rugby has evolved a huge amount in that time, we are yet to win anything.

“Having the chance to be part of a trophy-winning Ulster team was a huge part of my decision to stay and I will be giving my all to help Ulster be successful in the next three seasons.”

Bryn Cunningham, Ulster Rugby’s Team Manager, added: “Dan is hugely important to us and has developed into a highly effective leader both on off the pitch. He has proven at both international and provincial level that he is an outstanding player in his position. His effectiveness as a powerful ball carrier to break the gainline at important times in matches is crucial in the modern game.

“I am extremely pleased he has committed to Ulster in the long term showing the belief our front line players have in the future of Ulster Rugby.

“I have no doubt that he will continue to make a huge contribution to our success in the next three seasons.”

Centre Darren Cave is determined Ulster finally solve their flat away form this weekend. So far this season, they have only managed one away success, at the Arms Park in the Guinness Pro12.

With a trip to Treviso this Sunday, it is the right time to get back on kilter, says Cave.

“This year we’ve been off the money away from home. If you want to win trophies that’s not good enough and that’s not what this team is about.

“I think over the past few years we’ve shown we’re a good team no matter where we’re playing so that’s something in the back of our minds we want to put right.”