By David Hunter
Ulster Rugby has secured deals with four rising players keeping them with the provence until at least 2019.
Back row forward Clive Ross, lock Alan O'Connor, and scrum-half Dave Shanahan have agreed extensions until summer that year.
Hooker John Andrew has agreed to stay until 2020.
Director of Rugby Les Kiss said "We are delighted that the four boys have committed their immediate future to Ulster.
"As we continue to build our playing roster it is critical that we have depth across these key positions, so this is another important piece of business for us."
John worked his way through the development system at Ulster and moved on to a full-time contract last year.
He's been developing skill development, but has also adopted a leadership role in the Ulster A side this season.
The Ulster Boss added "Clive and Alan are maturing into quality players and have been outstanding for us this season.
"Both lads put in a huge amount of work during the off-season and that transferred into a great campaign by both of them.
"Dave is another young guy who has shown over the past couple of seasons that he is more than capable of handling himself on the senior stage when called upon. As a young scrum-half, he has learned a lot under the experience of Ruan (Pienaar) and Marshy". (Paul Marshall)