CHRIS HENRY HAS committed his future to Ulster by putting pen to paper on a new two-year deal which will see him remain at Kingspan Stadium until June 2019.
The 32-year-old’s current deal, signed in October 2013, expired at the end of the current campaign and the northern province were quick to secure the flanker’s services for at least another two seasons.
Henry has featured seven times for Ulster this term and has won 155 caps for the club since making his debut against Harlequins in the Heineken Cup back in January 2009.
“Les (Kiss) is determined to build a successful future for Ulster Rugby and I want to be part of that vision,” Henry said.
“I believe that the squad depth is improving year-on-year, with Bryn’s (Cunningham) ongoing retention and recruitment of players leaving us in a strong position over the next few seasons.
“We have a core group of experienced players and have a developing pathway of talented youngsters coming through. I want to deliver on the pitch for Ulster but I also want to ensure that I’m assisting the Academy players, who have aspirations to play professional rugby.
“The Ulster supporters are first class and there is no better feeling than playing in front of a packed house at Kingspan Stadium. I feel lucky to be part of a great environment and I’m delighted to commit my future to Ulster.”
Henry missed the start of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery during the summer but has worked his way back to full fitness to become a key component of Kiss’s side.
“Chris has been a key player for Ulster Rugby for a number of years and he represents everything that is good about the organisation,” the Ulster head coach said.
“His integrity, commitment, passion and good humour are contagious qualities that make him a fantastic person to have within our squad.
“He has been unfortunate with injuries and illness over the past couple of seasons but he has worked extremely hard to get back onto the pitch and I’ve no doubt that he’ll be a massive asset for us over the next couple of seasons.
“The player market is becoming increasingly competitive as a result of big budgets in France and England, but I’m delighted, as I’m sure the supporters will be, that we’ve been able to retain Chris until at least the summer of 2019.”
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