Ulster have secured the services of Louis Ludik until at least the end of the 2020 season after the wing signed a three-year contract extension at the club.
The deal may come as a surprise to some after fellow South African Ruan Pienaar was blocked from remaining at the province by the IRFU despite entering his seventh season with Ulster.
However unlike Pienaar, who has been capped 88 times by the Springboks, Ludik is uncapped and the 30-year-old will be eligible to play for Ireland next summer.
The versatile back joined from Agen in 2014 and his form so far this season has been impressive, he won the club’s Player of the Month award for September.
He said: “I’m thrilled to be extending my stay at Ulster. Myself and my family really enjoy Belfast and we feel very much at home here.
“Everything about Ulster Rugby is first class; the stadium, the training facilities, the players and coaches, the medical care and the supporters.”
Despite being sidelined until the end of November with a fractured cheek bone, Ludik is positive about the future.
“There is a brilliant vibe among the squad and everyone is working hard to try to achieve success this season. Once I return to fitness, I’m looking forward to contributing to the team this season and for the following three years,” he said.
Ulster Director of Rugby Les Kiss added: “Keeping Louis on our roster is a major boost for us. He is an outstanding guy who gives 100% to the cause and adds so much value both on and off the pitch. He is a great influence on the squad and he also does some great work in the local community.
“His form at the start of this season has been absolutely brilliant and I’m looking forward to seeing him deliver for us over the next few years.”
ED HUTSON
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