ULSTER HAVE SECURED the services of Ireland international Craig Gilroy after the 24-year-old signed a new two-year contract.
The winger, who has six international caps, will remain at Ravenhill until the end of the 2018 season.
Gilroy has scored 35 tries for Ulster and becqme the youngest player to win 100 caps for the province when he lined out against Benetton Treviso in the Guinness Pro12 in February.
“I’m delighted to be staying,” he said. “I still have huge aspirations with Ulster and Ireland so it’s great to be continuing here with my home Province. I’m really enjoying my rugby and I’ve got a lot of family and friends here.
“I love playing for Ulster, particularly at Kingspan Stadium, where we receive fantastic support. It’s a great place to play and it’s a great place to score tries.
“The squad that we have, and that we are continuing to develop, looks really good and I think we’re close to winning some silverware.”
Gilroy made his Ulster debut in November 2010 and has since established himself in Neil Doak’s squad but hasn’t yet broken into the international fold on a regular basis.
He was one of the unfortunate players to miss out on Joe Schmidt’s World Cup squad having being included in the extended training panel for the summer.
Regarded as one of the most exciting players in the Pro12, Gilroy enjoyed a prolific season last year as he was named Ulster’s player of the year as well as being included in the league’s dream team.
“Craig re-signing with Ulster Rugby was paramount to our succession plan as he brings with him huge experience at such a young age,” Ulster team manager, Bryn Cunningham, added.
“He is a member of our core group of young local players who will drive Ulster Rugby forward over the next few years.”
Ulster travel to Edinburgh on Friday evening for the resumption of the Pro12.
