Munster forward CJ Stander has signed a two-year contract extension that will see him remain with the province until at least June 2018.
The 25-year-old former South Africa U20 international joined the province in October 2012 and has since gone on to make 69 appearances in which he has scored 22 tries.
The back-row forward picked up seven man-of-the-match awards in his 26 appearances last season and was named the Munster Rugby player of the year in April, becoming the first overseas player to be awarded the accolade.
Stander has also taken over the Munster captaincy this season in the absence of Peter O'Mahony.
He said: "I am delighted to be committing my future to Munster Rugby. This is very much home for me and it is a huge honour to represent the red jersey every week. I look forward to continuing my journey with the team and supporters."
Munster head coach Anthony Foley said: "Getting this news at this stage of the season is a great boost for the squad.
"In securing the services of CJ for a further two years we are holding on to a key player within our group, one that gives everything to the jersey each week.
"At such a young age he has shown his leadership qualities on and off the field and we know there is still more to come so we look forward to working with CJ in to the future."