Best extends Ulster contract

Ulster captain Rory Best has given the province a boost in difficult times by extending his contract by two years to June 2010.

"We're delighted that Rory has agreed a new deal with Ulster Rugby," said chief executive Michael Reid.

"He has matured tremendously as a player and as an individual in recent years.

"There's no doubting that this season so far has presented a huge challenge for him, both in terms of Ireland's disappointment at the World Cup, and his brother Simon's illness as well as Ulster's loss of form.

"Rory has never shirked any of his responsibilities as a captain, or as a team player, and in many ways embodies what playing for the Red Hand means"