Iain Henderson has signed a two-year extension to his Irish Rugby Football Union contract and will remain at Ulster until 2023.

The 29-year-old second row captained Ireland for the first time against France in their last Guinness Six Nations fixture and has won 60 caps for his country.

Henderson, a British and Irish Lions tourist to New Zealand in 2017, told the IRFU website: โ€œIt has been a great honour to captain both Ulster and Ireland in recent times.

โ€œIrish Rugby is in a good place despite the disruption the sport has experienced during the pandemic.

โ€œAs professionals we have been in a privileged position to be able to continue playing and I know we all hope to see supporters back in the Aviva and Kingspan in the near future.โ€

IRFU performance director David Nucifora said: โ€œOver the past few seasons Iain has really developed into a leader within both the Ireland and Ulster squads.

Hurricanes v British and Irish Lions โ€“ Tour Match โ€“ Westpac Stadium
Ireland lock forward Iain Henderson toured New Zealand in 2017 with the British and Irish Lions (David Davies/PA)

โ€œHe is part of the national leadership group, captaining Ireland recently for the first time and we are delighted to have ensured that he continues his career in Ireland.โ€

Ulster captain Henderson has played 116 games for the province and his contract is entirely funded by the IRFU.