Timely boost for Ulster as Ireland trio pen new deals
AMIDST the dreaded contract negotiation season, Ulster have been handed a major boost as Ireland international trio Luke Marshall (above), Rob Herring and Kieran Treadwell signed contract extensions with the province until 2021.
Herring enjoyed a fine November series as back-up hooker to Rory Best, while Treadwell built on his summer debut with a third cap off the bench against Fiji.
Marshall, on the other hand, is looking to force his way back into Joe Schmidt’s plans.
“With increasing player movement, it’s vital that we continue to retain our best talent, and to have Luke, Rob and Kieran commit to long-term deals is a huge boost for us,” director of rugby Les Kiss said.
“They will play central roles in our programme over the next few years.”
Ulster will now turn their attention to ensuring that the likes of Iain Henderson, Best, Jared Payne and Tommy Bowe commit their futures to the club.
PLAYING
Meanwhile, Connacht centre Eoin Griffin is thrilled to be back playing for his home province on a regular basis after a couple of years in London and an injury-disrupted return last season.
Having recovered from a calf injury, 27-year-old Griffin is hoping to play his part as Connacht try to get back to winning ways against Michael Bradley’s Parma on Saturday.
Elsewhere, Edinburgh and Scotland flanker John Hardie has been given a three-month suspension by Scottish Rugby following the conclusion of an internal investigation for gross misconduct.
Hardie, 29, was initially suspended by Edinburgh at the end of October for the alleged use of cocaine.
The ban, part of a range of sanctions, will run from when Hardie was initially suspended last month, meaning he will be unavailable for Edinburgh until mid-January next year.
“I would like to apologise to everyone for putting myself in this situation,” said New Zealandborn Hardie, 29, who has won 16 Scotland caps since 2015.
“Through my actions I feel I have let my club, my team-mates and the fans down. I want to acknowledge the support I have had from Edinburgh Rugby and Scottish Rugby in dealing with the issue.”
Meanwhile, Scotland fly-half Finn Russell will join Racing 92 at the end of the season as a replacement for Dan Carter, who recently announced his decision to join Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers in Japan.