Rory Best has signed a new two-year deal with the Irish Rugby Football Union and Ulster.

The 33-year-old, a key player for Ulster and Ireland, made his Ulster debut 11 years ago and hs gone on to turn out 172 times for the Pro12 side.

Best is Ireland's most-capped hooker with 89 appearances for the Six Nations champions and Ulster director of rugby Les Kiss, also Ireland assistant coach, is delighted he has opted to remain at Kingspan Stadium until June 2018.

Kiss said: "I have worked closely with Rory for a number of years in the national set up and the quality he delivers so consistently reflects his character and his talent.

"His leadership, tenacity and drive are incredibly important to what we are looking to achieve at Ulster Rugby."