Herring ‘Very Happy’ To Extend Ulster Stay
Ulster Rugby received a boost today as it was confirmed that Ireland international Rob Herring has signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at Kingspan Stadium until the summer of 2018.
Rob Herring has made 79 appearances for Ulster and scored three tries since making his debut in the PRO12 against Glasgow Warriors in August 2012. The 25-year-old hooker continues to vie for a starting berth with Ireland’s most-capped hooker, Rory Best.
Herring’s provincial form has been rewarded with multiple call-ups to Ireland squads and he made his international bow in June 2014 after coming off the bench in a summer tour Test against Argentina.
He was included in Ireland’s extended squad ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign, and was appointed as Ulster captain during the World Cup period, highlighting his importance to the province.
Commenting on the contract renewal, Herring said: “I’m very happy to be staying. The last three years have gone really quickly for me and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. It’s particularly enjoyable playing at Kingspan Stadium in front of our home crowd – you can’t ask for a better stadium to play at.
“Captaining Ulster while Rory was away at the World Cup was massive highlight for me and it was a proud moment that I’ll remember forever.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Ulster over the past three seasons. It’s a top side in Europe and in the PRO12 and we’re always pushing to win competitions, so it’s a great place for me to be.”
Ulster’s director of rugby Les Kiss added: “I’m delighted that Rob has agreed to remain with us for a further two seasons. He is highly regarded by his peers and he has developed into one of the key leaders within our group.
“He’s still relatively young for a front row player and will develop even more, but to have 79 caps for Ulster at the age of 25 is testament to his quality.
“Our operations director Bryn Cunningham has done a great job in securing Rob’s services, along with the recent contract renewals of Craig Gilroy and Rory Best. When you factor in that a player of the quality of Charles Piutau is arriving with us next season, it’s all very promising for the future”