Ulster back row forward Stephen Ferris has committed to the province for a further two years.

Ferris is in the final year of his current deal so he will remain an Ulster player until at least June 2013.

"Ulster is the team I've always followed and I have a huge desire to achieve something big with the club," said the Ireland international.

"I don't want to leave Ulster without winning something," added Ferris, who was a British and Irish Lion in 2009.

"I'm competing against top quality players every single week for my place in the team, I've got to be training really hard and absolutely on top of my game to ensure I'm selected and that challenge keeps me hungry and makes sure that I am working to be the best player I can be."

Ferris also credited Operations Director David Humphreys as a factor in his decision to stay with Ulster.

There is a definite sense that this is the start of something special Stephen Ferris

"In many ways, David has made it very easy to stay. He has a vision for Ulster that I've bought into and he recruited well and built a squad that I'm delighted to remain a part of."

The Ireland player is believed to have attracted interest from other clubs but is pleased to be staying at Ravenhill.

"Every season is a fresh start to an extent but this season is different," said Ferris.

"There is a definite sense that this is the start of something special.

"There's a buzz around the squad and organisation as a whole, not just amongst the players and staff but amongst our supporters.

"Our young squad of players is growing up together and when you throw in the big names that have signed over the summer I'm very optimistic that we will live up to our potential and excited that I'm going to be part of it."

Humphreys commented: "Ulster's long-term success will be built upon Ulster born players and despite interest from throughout Europe, Stephen's decision to re-sign with the province is a very clear indication that he believes we are moving in the right direction."

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