Iain Henderson has quashed speculation that he was leaving Ulster by signing a two-year contract extension with the IRFU.
The Ulster skipper, who has played 139 times for the province and made 72 Ireland appearances, is remaining at the Kingspan Stadium until the end of the 2024/25 season.
Henderson, 31, was linked with a move to the Top 14 - Toulouse were mentioned as a possible suitor - as the province failed to make an impact in the knock-out stages of the URC and Champions Cup.
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It was an injury-hit season for the highly experienced second row but he was named in Andy Farrell's training squad for the Rugby World Cup and will hope to play a central role at France 2023 come September.
"I am delighted to sign with the IRFU and Ulster for another two seasons and look forward to continuing my journey in Ireland," said Henderson.
"It is an incredible honour pulling on my provincial and international colours and I believe that there is more to come as we look to build in the months ahead."
IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora commented: "Iain has developed into an important leader within both the Ireland and Ulster environments and we are delighted to have ensured that he continues his career in Ireland.
"I have no doubt that he will continue to add positively to both environments in the months and years to come."
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