LAST WEEK IT was Munster who were signing starters up to new deals and now Ulster are doing something similar as they have handed centre Darren Cave a new three-year contract that will keep him at the province until 2018.

Cave has been in good form for Ulster over the last few months – he has been man of the match in their last two home games – and was featured in Joe Schmidt’s November squad, where he started at 13 against Georgia.

“I am delighted to be staying with Ulster until at least 2018,” Cave said.

“I have total faith in the coaching and management set-up we have and I am excited about what this group can achieve in the coming seasons. The support that we get, particularly at Kingspan Stadium, never ceases to amaze me and as someone who was brought up supporting Ulster, it’s a pleasure to be involved for the next three and a half years.”

Cave scored a try and created another in Ulster’s bonus point win over the Scarlets on Saturday night.

That sort of production will be required again this weekend as anything less than another five point haul in Wales will probably spell the end of their Champions Cup qualification hopes.

Pep Guardiola is dipping one of his immaculate loafers into the world of rugby

‘We don’t have an advantage at all’ – O’Shea gearing up for Aviva clash