Darren Cave signs new three-year deal with Ulster

Ireland centre Darren Cave has signed a new three-year deal that will see the 27-year-old stay at Ulster until the summer of 2018 at least.

Cave has been in outstanding form of late, scoring a try in the Champions Cup victory over the Scarlets on Saturday.

Capped eight times at international level, Cave started at outside centre against Georgia in the November series.

On signing the new deal, Cave said: “I am delighted to be staying with Ulster until at least 2018. 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.”

Ulster's team manager, Bryn Cunningham, added: "Darren has been one of Ulster's most consistent performers over the last number of seasons. Aside from his considerable try-scoring record, his defensive organisation is outstanding in what can be the most difficult channel to defend.

“His performance on Saturday, in which he scored one try and set up another, highlights Darren’s importance to the squad. With undoubted interest from other quarters, we are delighted to retain his services for at least three more years.”

Ulster also issued an injury update after the bruising encounter with Scarlets, with Stuart McCloskey suffering what the province’s medical team describe as “a significant elbow ligament injury”.

The 22-year-old centre had come on in the 36th minute after Stuart Olding suffered concussion and was replaced after 65 minutes by Mike Allen.

McCloskey is awaiting specialist advice and a further update will be issued in the coming days.

Olding and lock Franco van der Merwe both suffered concussions and will follow the graduated return to play protocols, with Ulster’s midfield injury worries eased by the expected return to training of Ireland international Luke Marshall.

South African tighthead Wiehahn Herbst and New Zealand number eight Nick Williams both sustained hamstring injuries and will undergo MRI scans on Monday evening.