Nick Williams agrees two-year contract extension with Ulster

Ulster forward Nick Williams has signed a contract extension with the Irish province which will keep him at Ravenhill until the summer of 2016.

The number eight, whose current deal expires at the end of this season, has made a huge impact since signing for Ulster in June 2012.

Williams's Ulster performance last season led him to being named Pro12 players' player of the year.

The New Zealander, 29, was also voted as Irish players' player of the season.

Explaining his decision to remain with Ulster, Williams said that "everything has fallen into place".

"It's always nice to stay where you're happy. My family and I have settled really well and it means I can go out and enjoy myself on the pitch.

"I wouldn't want to play anywhere else to be honest."

Williams added that there is "more to come" from an Ulster squad which has been beaten by Leinster in both the Heineken Cup and Pro12 deciders over the last two seasons.

"We're very excited for this season. The core of the group from last season is still here and after a few injuries last season, we've got boys coming back in who are now 100%."

Ulster's director of rugby David Humphreys said that the New Zealander's decision to remain at Ulster was a "huge boost" to the club.

"He is a genuine entertainer and is someone who possesses the ability to inspire the players around him and get the crowd on their feet," added Humphreys.

"Off the field, he's a tremendous personality to have around the dressing room and I'm delighted he's committed to Ulster until 2016."