After months of negotiations, Rob Kearney has finally agreed a new deal with the IRFU that will keep him at Leinster until the end of the 2013 season.
Kearney’s new deal is a further boost to Irish rugby after other senior players have committed to the IRFU in recent months.
Kearney has joined the likes of Jamie Heaslip, Brian O’Driscoll, Jonathan Sexton and Ronan O’Gara in penning a new contract and is further proof that Irish rugby is moving in the right direction and can compete with other countries.
There have been rumours circulating that the Louth man was ready to sign a more lucrative deal abroad after the player admitted the talks had been a frustrating experience. The fullback has done his best in recent weeks to quash the rumours, however, in an attempt to clarify his commitment to his province and his country..
“There’s no doubt in my mind where I want to play my rugby, it’s always been here,” he told Newstalk last month.
The 24-year-old is currently injured and is out for the rest of the Six Nations. Key to Ireland’s defence and counter-attack, he’s expected to be back as soon as April for the Heineken Cup quarter-finals.
Leinster coach Joe Schmidt hailed the deal as a big development for both Ireland and the province.
““We’re delighted that Rob has agreed a new deal with Leinster and Ireland and we look forward to welcoming him back to the fold over the coming weeks,” said Schmidt.
“Rob has played an important role in the province’s recent success and I know how proud he is to represent his home province. Today’s announcement is another timely boost for Irish rugby.”
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