Ulster have confirmed that Alan O’Connor and Marcus Rea are the latest players to extend their contracts with the province.
The pair have put pen to paper on fresh terms with Dan McFarland's side, who currently sit second in the United Rugby Championship.
O’Connor has been a prominent feature this season, racking up 450 minutes already. The 30-year-old was named the URC Tackle Machine last season, with 195 tackles at a success rate of 97.5%.
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The Dublin-born lock has 163 caps for the province, and was named the club’s Player of the Year for the 2020/21 season.
O’Connor, said: “I’m delighted to sign-on for another couple of seasons. It’s a brilliant group of lads, and a great place to be.”
Meanwhile teammate Rea kicked-off his Senior career back in 2018 with a win over Interpro rivals, Leinster, in a Player of the Match performance that saw him score a try in a 14-13 victory at Kingspan Stadium.
After last season saw him make his first European start in a landmark win over Clermont on French soil, the back-rower is excited for what the time ahead holds for him at Ulster:
“I couldn’t see myself in any other jersey. I love the environment, the people I work with, and the friends I have here. I am very happy to be staying at home," he said.
Head Coach McFarland added: “Al is a player who epitomises the ‘every inch’ attitude that we want to bring onto the pitch for every game. He has led the team consistently in a way that embodies his own personal approach to his job, totally committed to winning and being the best we can be.
"Marcus has worked hard over the last two years to carve out a key role in our squad which sees him able to produce turnovers at critical times. He works hard both on and off the pitch, and has plenty more big moments in an Ulster jersey to come.”
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