Franco van der Merwe signs new Ulster deal

Ulster’s South African workhorse Franco van der Merwe has signed a one-year extension to his contract which will keep him at the Kingspan Stadium until June 2017.

The South African lock has been a guiding influence for Ulster since his arrival at the start of last season and has played more games than any other player in the senior squad during that time, captaining the province several times last season in the absence of regular skipper, Rory Best.

“I have tried to bring some of my experience to the group and help some of the younger players. It’s been encouraging to see some young forwards come through and make their mark in Europe and in the Pro12, which augers well for a successful Ulster team in the future,” said Van der Merwe.