Ulster youngsters Cormac Izuchukwu and Tom Stewart extend contracts until 2026

Ulster forwards Cormac Izuchukwu and Tom Stewart have both signed contract extensions with the province until 2026.

The pair featured for Emerging Ireland during the three-match tour of South Africa while Stewart also trained with the Ireland squad last week.

Former Ireland Sevens player Izuchukwu, 22, joined the Ulster academy in 2020. The lock has been limited to 10 appearances for the province, having been sidelined for over a year with an ACL injury, but has featured three times in this season's BKT United Rugby Championship.

"It’s so exciting to play for Ulster having come through the academy, and even more so when there are young, world-class players at the club," said Tullamore native Izuchukwu.

"We have our ambitions set on silverware, so I’m looking forward to what we can achieve together in the time ahead."

Hooker Stewart produced a man-of-the-match performance in Ulster’s round-one victory over Connacht, scoring a try on his first senior start.

The 21-year-old also touched down in last month’s victory over Munster.

Ulster head coach Dan McFarland said: "Cormac and Tom typify the young and exciting talent putting their hands up to be selected at Ulster, and in an international setting.

"They both came through the Ulster Rugby Academy in a pipeline that feeds players of their quality directly into our senior set-up."

Stewart added: "It's an honour to re-sign with my home province, and to push on with my professional career.

"I'm excited to be a part of what’s to come for Ulster Rugby in the next few years."

Last week Ireland internationals Kieran Treadwell, Rob Herring and Nick Timoney all committed their futures to the province.

Ulster sit second in the URC with five wins from six matches. They return to action against