Muller signs 1 Year Contract Extension

[UlsterBok]

This just released on Ulster rugby website:

"Ulster Rugby today announced that second row forward Johann Muller has signed a one year contract extension...
Share The South African arrived in Belfast last summer from the Natal Sharks on a two year deal and his contract extension means that he will play his rugby for Ulster until June 2013.

Muller captained the Ulster team on numerous occasions this season while Rory Best was absent through injury or international duty. He has clocked up an impressive 2027 minutes of the pitch for Ulster during the 2010/11 season, starting all but four of Ulster’s competitive games this season, and he has become a firm favourite with the fans at Ravenhill.

Winner of the Heineken Ulster Rugby Personality of the Season at last week’s gala awards ceremony, he was lauded for the contribution he has made to the club both on and off the pitch. He has been credited with inspiring much of the change at Ulster this season, with the team reaching the Heineken Cup quarter final stages for the first time since 1999, as well as the Magners League play offs.

On signing the extension Johann said:

‘I’m delighted to extend my contract with Ulster Rugby by another year. I’ve really enjoyed my first season with Ulster, not only in terms of rugby but also personally. The people of Northern Ireland have been great to me and my family so staying an extra year wasn’t a decision we had to think about for long.

‘It was a successful season for us and we are taking steps in the right direction, but the players and the coaching staff need to keep working hard for next season. Teams are judged on silverware and we have nothing to show for our season. We are determined to win something for the trophy cabinet at Ravenhill next season and to do that we must keep improving.

‘I’ve been in the fantastic position of having a leadership role within the squad. I hope I can keep trying to help the younger players and they keep improving. The more games they play and the more experience they get will be of benefit to themselves and Ulster. If, in a couple of years I leave Ulster and have managed to help a few players develop, I will be delighted with that.’"

[ColinM]

Great news

Pienaar next please.

[Jockster]

Think we may also see Muller more involved with the coaching side.....I'm sensing a strategy even if it is only to help Muller get on to the coaching ladder...

[Big-al]

I have a tingling feeling that Ruan want's to go back tot he Sharks after next season, he'll be getting huge offers from France as well and it'll take some contract offer from Logan and Humph to keep him here

[Mac]

I have a tingling feeling that Ruan want's to go back tot he Sharks after next season, he'll be getting huge offers from France as well and it'll take some contract offer from Logan and Humph to keep him here

Still it's a good sign as at least now it will mean that Muller, Payne, Afoa will be able get to put a couple of
years together to bed in & not be like the preverbial ships in the night. If RP were to commit it would be a
real tight high end core to the squad along with those we already have. Bodes well.

[ColinM]

I have a tingling feeling that Ruan want's to go back tot he Sharks after next season, he'll be getting huge offers from France as well and it'll take some contract offer from Logan and Humph to keep him here

I have a tingling feeling that Humph and co are really targetting 2012/2013 as the big season. Mullers services have been secured, redevelopment should be complete and there's something afoot with the coaching what with Buzz going now and McL only signing up for one year this time. There could be post RWC signings on the playing or coaching front. 2011/2012 will be upset by the RWC and we will be aiming to consolidate our position of this year as a minimum.

[shamalicious]

Great news! Next project for Humph is Pienaar.

[lovesthehardground]

Yep great news. Why only one year extension? He'll only be 32 at the end of 2013 season. Still a good couple of years left in him at that stage. Hopefully Ruan and P3 will now follow suit.

[Harold7]

Yep great news. Why only one year extension? He'll only be 32 at the end of 2013 season. Still a good couple of years left in him at that stage. Hopefully Ruan and P3 will now follow suit.

I think I read somewhere that the PAG were introducing a new rule only allowing one year contracts to NIQs aged over 30. I think it was on another MB though so it could be rubbish.

[Yoda]

JM said at a recent event he was hoping to sign up for one more year - original plan was 2 years then home for family and farm but enjoying things so much that he wanted to stay on for one more year.

While maybe 2012/13 is being targeted, can't believe that changing the coach at the start of that year would be part of the plan - always takes a new coach time to bed in - have also heard that DH is taking more of a hands on role.

[tommya]

Great news for Ulster he has been a rock this year.

[Big-al]

Muller did say when he signed for Ulster that he'll play for 2 more years and then maybe extend his contract for 1yr depending on how he likes it in Northern Ireland

[OneMore]

Well, this is obviously great for our province. No doubt there will be those south of the border upset at this, but it is another step for us in the grand master plan. Maybe he's going to stick around to see the 7ft tall 15 year-olds we're recruiting, replacing him in the team!

[Duckjnr]

Maybe he's going to stick around to see the 7ft tall 15 year-olds we're recruiting, replacing him in the team!

[fuzzylogic]

by Big-al » Tue May 17, 2011 9:54 am

I have a tingling feeling that Ruan want's to go back tot he Sharks after next season, he'll be getting huge offers from France as well and it'll take some contract offer from Logan and Humph to keep him here

I duno about that to be honest, Magners league player of the year, on a nice cushy paycheck, playing in a young, exciting team, I think he just might want to be part of something big here.

And anyways, sure all the South Africans are getting out of France because they say the rugby is too voilent