Herbst Pens New Two-Year Deal With Ulster

Ulster Rugby have announced that prop Wiehahn Herbst has signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at Kingspan Stadium until at least the summer of 2019.

Wiehahn Herbst joined Ulster in 2014 from Super Rugby franchise the Sharks and he has since made 41 appearances for the province.

Commenting on his extension, the 28-year-old tighthead prop said: “This deal is a great boost for myself and my family. My wife and I are well settled here in Belfast and our son was born here, so it is a special place for us.

“I truly believe that the squad is really starting to develop, with improving depth across most positions. I’m looking forward to competing with the guys for the starting number 3 jersey over the next few years.”

Ulster’s director of rugby Les Kiss added: “Wiehahn is a great bloke and I’m delighted that he’s agreed to stay on with us for another couple of years. The market is becoming increasingly competitive and the retention of our top players is a major focus for (our operations director) Bryn Cunningham and myself.

“Wiehahn is still relatively young for a prop and we fully expect that his best years are still ahead of him. I have no doubt that he will continue to be a very important player for us.

“He is very powerful in the set piece and this has been a huge weapon for us since his arrival. His work ethic is first class and he is committed to developing his game, while also ensuring others are doing the same.

“With Rodney (Ah You) also competing for a starting berth, and with Academy prop Ross Kane developing nicely, we are starting to look pretty well stocked at tighthead. We also have Ricky Lutton and Jonny Simpson on the books and it is vital for us to have that strength in depth.”