Ferris, 22, recently won his fifth international cap for Ireland on the recent tour to Australia and New Zealand.

"I'm pleased to commit the next three years of my life to playing for Ulster,” Ferris said.

“It means everything to me to don that white shirt, and it's a real honour to be part of the team.

“I'm only 22 and hope to play for Ulster for a long time to come; I really couldn't see myself playing anywhere else.

“There is such a fantastic group of lads in the squad and now that it is quite a young squad, we are going to build up a winning team together."

The No. 8, who made his international debut against the Pacific Islanders in 2006, cited the management team of Matt Williams and David Humphreys as instrumental in his decision to stay at the Irish province.

"Matt Williams has made great changes since taking over and his style of coaching suits me, he makes me want to push myself harder and harder to play well and I know I'll work hard for him.

“I also have to say that David Humphreys being involved in the management was a big sway for me.

“David has been a major influence on me in my years at Ulster and talking to him really helped confirm my decision.

“Of course the atmosphere at Ravenhill is unbeatable. In my opinion no better place to play European Rugby so it's great that it's my home ground for a long time to come.”

Chief Executive of Ulster Rugby, Michael Reid added: "It's fantastic to see a guy of Stephen's calibre stay at Ravenhill.

“He had a non-traditional start to his Ulster Rugby career, as one of the first players to come through the Ulster youth route, has proven himself to be a top Ulster player.

“With the skills and abilities that Stephen has, I am sure we will see play as a top international very soon."

"Having a difficult season last year and losing a number of players, it is great news to have a player of Stephen's quality signed to the Ulster squad for the next three years, he will be a real asset to the team" continued Michael.

Ferris plays his club rugby with Dungannon and was a member of the Ireland Under-21 squad that participated in the World Cup in Argentina in 2005, before graduating to full international honours a year later.