Court was joined in putting pen to paper by fellow Ireland international and World Cup veteran Paddy Wallace, who will be at the club until 2013.

And while admitting adding to his 24 international caps is a big goal Court insists it is his form in an Ulster jersey that is occupying him most at present.

“I’ve had a great run here so far and Belfast is very much home now for my young family, so I’m delighted to have signed a new contract with Ulster,” said Court.

“I think we’ve made some real progress over the past two to three seasons, the Ulster team is as tight as ever and it’s a brilliant boost for me to sign a new deal and ensure that I’m part of that set-up.

“It’s great to get the contract agreed early, and to have the certainty about where I’m going to be for the foreseeable future. Now I can just concentrate on the rugby.  Winning silverware with Ulster will be my main goal, and if things go well with Ulster then hopefully Ireland will fall into place.”