Ulster extend contracts of Rob Herring and Sam Crean

Ulster have confirmed new contract extensions for experienced hooker Rob Herring and loosehead prop Sam Crean, securing the services of two key members of their front-row unit into the coming seasons.

Herring, Ulster’s all-time record appearance holder, has signed a new deal that will keep him at the province until the summer of 2027.

The 35-year-old has made 261 appearances since joining Ulster in 2012 and remains a central figure in the squad, both on and off the field.

Born in Cape Town, Herring qualified for Ireland through residency and made his international debut in 2014. He has gone on to earn 43 Ireland caps, featuring at the 2023 Rugby World Cup and playing a role in Ireland’s Grand Slam-winning Six Nations campaign.

Alongside Herring, Ulster have also tied down Crean on a two-year contract extension running until 2028.

The 25-year-old loosehead prop joined the province initially on loan from Saracens before making the move permanent. Since then, he has established himself as a regular under head coach Richie Murphy, stepping up following the departure of Andrew Warwick.

Crean, who is Irish-qualified and previously represented England at Under-20 level, has featured in nine of Ulster’s ten matches this season, starting seven of them.