Andrew Trimble signs two year Ulster contract extension

Ulster and Ireland winger Andrew Trimble has signed a two year contract extension which will keep him at the province until June 2017.

The 30-year-old has been sidelined since November with a toe injury and is not expected to make a return until the summer. He says he’s happy to remain at Ulster as he plots his return from injury, and his subsequent return to the Irish set-up.

“I am delighted to have signed with Ulster for a further two years,” said Trimble who has made 57 appearances for Ireland scoring 16 tries.

“I hope to be back playing soon and will be aiming to put myself in the frame for selection for Ulster and Ireland over the coming months.

The 2014 RWI Player of the Year is relishing his return for province and country, forseeing continued success on both platforms in the near future and beyond.

“2015 will be an exciting year at both provincial and national level and I hope to play a role in the coming years in the continuing success of Irish rugby.”

Trimble made his senior debut for Ulster against Cardiff in September 2005 and has gone on to represent his province 188 times, scoring 64 tries.

IRFU Performance Director, David Nucifora says he is "a model professional who sets a great example for all young aspiring rugby players. His performances for Ireland and Ulster last season were top rate and he continues to develop his game after almost 10 years as a professional in Ireland."

Ulster Rugby Team Manager, Bryn Cunningham added;

“Andrew is a crowd favourite at Kingspan Stadium and a proven international performer, having won a multitude of awards last season.

“It is a huge boost to Ulster Rugby that Andrew has committed to the province. He is an important leader within our squad and we look forward to him returning to action in the coming months.”

Meanwhile Ulster centre Luke Marshall has been cited for allegedly kicking an opponent in the Guinness PRO12 match against Scarlets at Kingspan Stadium, Belfast last Friday.

The province's flanker Roger Wilson has also been cited for allegedly striking/punching an opponent in the same match.

Ben Te'o, the Leinster centre, is the third player from the four provinces to be cited after last weekend's fixtures. He allegedly struck with the forearm in the match against Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea last Friday.

The disciplinary hearings for the three players will take place later this week.