Ulster have ensured some key players will be staying at Ravenhill for the foreseeable future by extending the contracts of Chris Henry, flanker Willie Faloon, centre Ian Whitten and hooker Nigel Brady.
Number eight Henry, who has captained the province in the absence of Rory Best this season, has penned a new three-year-deal, while the others have re-signed on two-year contracts.
Operations director David Humphreys welcomed the news today, saying the management team is “delighted” with the agreements.
“Our focus is to continually build on the foundations set and mould a powerful Ulster side, consisting mainly of indigenous players, with a number of high profile overseas signings.
"It has been great to see young players coming through the ranks and making their mark."
"We are very close to completing the squad for the 2010/2011 season. Over the next few weeks we will aim to announce the majority of our contract news."
Henry added: "I believe the squad has moved a considerable distance over the past twelve months, and has now become a young vibrant side. Ulster has become a challenging team, both in the Magners League and Heineken Cup, and will continue to go from strength to strength. I am really pleased that I will be part of the team for years' to come.
"They are a great bunch of guys in the squad, and there is some fantastic talent coming through, so the future with Ulster is looking really exciting."
Academy players Ian Porter (scrumhalf), Nevin Spence (centre/wing), Adam Macklin Paddy McAllister (props), have all signed one-year deals, as has Belfast Harlequins player Neil McComb.