David Humphreys tonight confirmed his retirement from international rugby but he has put pen-to-paper on a new one-year deal with Ulster.
Humphreys' current contract with Ulster was due to expire at the end of this season and the extension sees him continue to play at Ravenhill until June 2007.
"..it's a family decision, they've not pressured me but because I have been away from home so much I've missed the first five or six years of my children growing up," said Humphreys of his international decision.
Humphreys has been a key figure for both club and country, winning 72 international caps over 11 seasons in rugby.
"I haven't played so much with Ireland this year and it's now time to concentrate on Ulster a bit more," the outhalf added.
"It would have been very easy to retire completely but looking at the quality of young players coming through I think there are very exciting times ahead for Ulster and I want to be a part of that."