Ulster lock Ryan Caldwell has capped a successful week by agreeing a new two-year deal with the province.

Its been a productive period for Caldwell despite Ulster's poor season, with the secondrow being named in the IRFU's High Performance Select Group last week.

He has now joined captain Rory Best and young outhalf Niall O'Connor in committing to Ulster for the next two years under new coach Matt Williams.

Williams, who is keeping touch with the goings on at Ravenhill from Australia, said: "This is a great boost for Ulster Rugby. Ryan has been earmarked for great things since he was a school-boy and has progressed through the age-grade set-ups to a regular place with Ulster and recognition at Ireland A level.

"His inclusion in the High Performance Select Group will provide him with further opportunities to improve his skills, and be involved with the national squad and I've no doubt that he will be part of Eddie O'Sullivan's vision going forward."

Caldwell has represented Ireland A and under-21s. He made his debut for Ulster in the Heineken European Cup against Treviso in October 2005.