Ulster have tied down five of their most important players to long term contracts, with Nick Timoney, Jacob Stockdale, Tom O'Toole, James Hume and Ethan McIlroy all signing three-year contract extensions.

The quintet, all of whom have come through Ulster's academy and have a combined 650 appearances for the province, have signed on with Richie Murphy's side until the summer of 2030.

Timoney, who linked up with Ulster's academy after leaving Blackrock College, has scored 46 tries in 187 appearances for the province, while the back row forward has also regularly captained the side in recent seasons.

The 31-year-old has also won 13 caps for Ireland, and has cemented himself as an important member of Andy Farrell's squad in the last year, playing in 10 of their last 11 Test matches.

Wing/full-back Stockdale, who recently hit the 150 appearance mark for Ulster, has scored three tries in four games so far this season, while the 30-year-old he has crossed the line 20 times in 43 caps for Ireland.

O'Toole has emerged as a valuable member of Ireland's squad in the last 12 months, covering both tighthead and loosehead prop for Farrell during last season's injury crisis, and the 28-year-old has played 143 times for Ulster since making his debut against Edinburgh in April 2018.

Hume (above) recently retained from a hamstring injury to make his first appearance of the season, and while it's been four years since the centre won the last of his three Ireland caps, his inclusion in this month's Ireland XV squad to play Fiji A shows he remains on the radar of the Irish management.

Likewise, McIlroy has been included in the Ireland XV squad for this month's game in Cork, and the 26-yer-old has looked impressive in his three outings at full-back for Ulster this season.

"We are very pleased to have secured the futures of James, Ethan, Tom, Jacob and Nick for the next three seasons," Ulster general manager Rory Best said.

"All five play an important role in our senior squad with their consistency in performance and experience. They are an integral part of our team, and I know all five are extremely ambitious in their goals for the future."

"One thing that all these guys have shown – they are all remarkably resilient. Each of them has experienced ups and downs but have shown the mentality to bounce back and work hard.

"They are great ambassadors for Ulster Rugby and play with a commitment and passion that all of our supporters can resonate with."

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