The second row, who was last week named in the I.R.F.U.’s High Performance Select Group, joins captain Rory Best and young Niall O’Connor in committing to the club for the next two seasons as Matt Williams builds his squad for next year.

The Ulster Coach, who is currently tying up his affairs in Australia, but who is in daily contact with the Ulster Squad and Management commented;

“This is a great boost for Ulster Rugby. Ryan has been earmarked for great things since he was a school-boy and has progressed through the age-grade set-ups to a regular place with Ulster and recognition at Ireland A level. His inclusion in the High Performance Select Group will provide him with further opportunities to improve his skills, and be involved with the national squad and I’ve no doubt that he will be part of Eddie O’Sullivan’s vision going forward.”

A former Ulster Schools’ Cup winning captain with RBAI, Caldwell joined the Ulster set-up on a development contract in 2003 while still eligible for the Ireland U21s and he participated in two junior (U21) World Championships, in Scotland in 2004 and in Argentina in 2005. Following his performances in the green jersey at U21 level, he made his Ulster debut in October 2005 against Treviso in the Heineken Cup, and this season has become a regular member of the Ulster pack

He has also represented Ireland A at the Churchill Cup last summer and is likely to be named in the A squad for the forthcoming games against the England Saxons and Scotland A in February.

The Ulster players are currently on a week’s leave and will return to HQ for a mini pre-season next Monday before an intensive week with new coach Matt Williams ahead of their next match, against the Dragons at Ravenhill on Friday 15th February. With the Heineken Cup campaign now concluded the end-goal for this season is to stay above Connacht in the Magners League table to guarantee Heineken Cup rugby next season and the period of the next nine matches will be absolutely crucial.