Johann Muller will confirm on Monday that he is staying on with Ulster for another season.
The News Letter revealed last November the South African would be staying on, but the one year contract will officially be signed off on Monday.
In the wake of the exaggerated stories in respect of John Afoa planning to leave the Province once his contract runs out in 2014 as was expected, the securing of Ulster skipper, Muller (left), is a huge boost for the Province - although there will be a major changing of the guard in June 2014.
Ulster are also expected to be boosted further by the lock this week in that he will be available, and will play, against Ospreys as the PRO12 resumes after a two week break.
Muller has been unfortunate on the injury front this season. He suffered a hand injury in October and then returned to playing again only to be sidelined for the past eight weeks with an undisplaced fracture of his radius.
Although Ulster have maintained their consistency this season, suffering just two defeats in 17 games, which has seen them open up an 11 point lead in the PRO12 while in Europe they face a Heineken Cup quarter-final at Twickenham against Saracens in April, Muller’s leadership qualities have been missing.
However, the South African, while going through his rehab, was still playing a major role in the Ulster team watching at training, attending games at home and away and mentoring some of the younger players.
Ulster have two home games in the league coming up starting with the visit of The Ospreys on Friday night followed by Italian club, Zebre, on Friday, February 15.
Meanwhile, although Ulster have made no official comment regarding New Zealand prop, John Afoa, it is understood while he may miss this weekend’s game in Belfast he will be back in the Province and will be honouring his contract which is due to expire in June 2014.
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