CHRIS HENRY HAS committed his future to Ulster by putting pen to paper on a new two-year deal which will see him remain at Kingspan Stadium until June 2019.
The 32-year-old’s current deal, signed in October 2013, expired at the end of the current campaign and the northern province were quick to secure the flanker’s services for at least another two seasons.
Henry has featured seven times for Ulster this term and has won 155 caps for the club since making his debut against Harlequins in the Heineken Cup back in January 2009.
“Les (Kiss) is determined to build a successful future for Ulster Rugby and I want to be part of that vision,” Henry said.
“I believe that the squad depth is improving year-on-year, with Bryn’s (Cunningham) ongoing retention and recruitment of players leaving us in a strong position over the next few seasons.
“We have a core group of experienced players and have a developing pathway of talented youngsters coming through. I want to deliver on the pitch for Ulster but I also want to ensure that I’m assisting the Academy players, who have aspirations to play professional rugby.
“The Ulster supporters are first class and there is no better feeling than playing in front of a packed house at Kingspan Stadium. I feel lucky to be part of a great environment and I’m delighted to commit my future to Ulster.”
Henry missed the start of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery during the summer but has worked his way back to full fitness to become a key component of Kiss’s side.
“Chris has been a key player for Ulster Rugby for a number of years and he represents everything that is good about the organisation,” the Ulster head coach said.
“His integrity, commitment, passion and good humour are contagious qualities that make him a fantastic person to have within our squad.
“He has been unfortunate with injuries and illness over the past couple of seasons but he has worked extremely hard to get back onto the pitch and I’ve no doubt that he’ll be a massive asset for us over the next couple of seasons.
“The player market is becoming increasingly competitive as a result of big budgets in France and England, but I’m delighted, as I’m sure the supporters will be, that we’ve been able to retain Chris until at least the summer of 2019.”
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Absolutely brilliant and seriously underrated player.
Delighted for Chris Henry but at 32 I don’t think his door was being knocked down with offers from elsewhere.
He’s Ulster through and through and gives everything he has on the pitch but surely his best days were pre the heart condition.
@Ian Frizzell. My understanding is that there were at least 3 other clubs after him. At 32 I would not write him off getting back into the Ireland set-up, dedicated and committed on and off the pitch. A bit of good news from the Ulster camp.
Unless there’s a serious amount of injuries he’s not getting back into the Irish side. The competition in the backrow is tough and we have some serious younger players coming through.
Let’s wait and see………
@Chris Mcdonnell:
He won’t get back in but that’s more about age profile than form. He’s been great for us this year. Our pack is a disaster – we have a good eight but, back row especially, the depth is shocking and we’ve had horrible injuries that have all but killed the season.
The difference between Ulster with Henry and Henderson compared with an Ulster with neither is extraordinary.
Completely Chris. No way he would get back unless a mountain of injuries occurred.
Henry still worth the money and his place in the side.
He produces the goods on a regular basis, unlike Roger Wilson, who now only has one gear and that’s reverse
Good to hear but need more back row option’s and a scrumhalf, Hart would have been a good starter but obviously the Munster bench must be more attractive for him.
Why do you think that Racing’s 3rd choice scrum half is good enough to start for Ulster ?
Because Ulster’s first choice is leaving and their second choice isn’t very good?
Because all ulster have is Paul Marshall… Hart would be perfect for them
Marmion?
No argument there.
Shows the ridiculous amount of depth Ireland have in the back-row that a guy like this can’t get a look in. Wouldn’t write him off though. Savage player.
A true gent on and off the pitch
Delighted with the news, a great player and friend who gives his all every time he runs out.