Cave signs new deal with Ulster

Darren Cave has signed a contract extension with Ulster Rugby which will keep him at the club until summer 2019.

The centre was an Ulster Academy graduate, making his debut in 2007 when he came off the bench in a 33-9 over Scottish side Border Reivers in April 2017.

Since then he has become Ulster's third most-capped player, with 208 appearances, scoring 44 tries.

This season he's played 15 times for the club, scoring four tries.

The 31-year-old also has 11 Ireland caps and was a member of their 2015 World Cup squad.

"I'm really pleased to be staying on for another season. This month marks 11 years since I earned my first Ulster cap and I still feel that I have much more to give", Cave said of his new deal.

"We have a lot of work to do but the guys are committed to improving as individuals and as a collective. Hopefully we can finish this season strongly and then bring that through to the new campaign."

"I believe the future of Ulster Rugby is bright and I'm really looking forward to being part of that."

Operations Director, Bryn Cunningham, welcomed the news:

"Darren has been an integral part of Ulster Rugby for over a decade and he still has a lot to offer both on and off the pitch."

"He is proud to represent Ulster and gives absolutely everything to the cause every time he pulls on the jersey."

"He's a very intelligent player who has an excellent understanding of the game and he communicates superbly with others. He provides a different threat to our other centres in attack and he is also a very astute defender, which he has proven time and time again."

"In addition to what he adds on the pitch, he is a really good role model and mentor for younger players in the team. We are losing a few senior players at the end of this season and therefore it's particularly important that we keep hold of guys like Cavey."

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