Craig Gilroy extends Ulster deal as promising flanker is handed first senior contract

Some good news for Ulster.

With Les Kiss' departure, injury woes and some wretched away form, it's been a trying time for Ulster fans recently, but the club have delivered some promising news in the shape of Craig Gilroy extending his contract. The Ireland winger has scored 57 tries in 158 games for the province since breaking through in the 2010/11 season and has committed his future to Belfast for a further three years to 2021. The 26-year-old has produced some excellent displays this season, too, including a hat-trick in the 59-10 annihilation of Southern Kings last Friday night.

"As a young rugby player growing up supporting Ulster, it was a tremendous honour to represent this province," he said. "There's no better feeling than running out at Kingspan Stadium and scoring tries for Ulster so I am delighted to agree a long-term deal to stay here, with hopefully my best rugby years to look forward to."

https://twitter.com/UlsterRugby/status/963781733744246785 Meanwhile, in another encouraging development, back-row forward Nick Timoney has signed his first senior contract. The 22-year-old has impressed since breaking through last year and the former Ireland U20 international is certainly one to watch in the coming months.

"It's been a really exciting time for me recently, between getting to play regularly and now moving up to a full contract," he said. I feel like I have fitted in well here at Ulster and I want to keep progressing and be a real asset to the team."