Leinster and Ireland prop forward Cian Healy has signed a new deal with the IRFU that will see him play in Ireland until 2013.
Healy’s commitment to the IRFU comes on the back of similar deals for Munster duo Ronan O’Gara and Donncha O’Callaghan as the Union seek to secure the future of its international players.
Healy’s signing is a boost to rugby in this country as rumours circulate that a number of our top stars may be tempted to move abroad by the promise of more lucrative contracts from cash-rich French clubs following the World Cup later this year.
The Clontarf native has 13 caps for the Ireland senior team and has also represented his country at Under-19, Under-20 and ‘A’ level.
He made his Leinster debut in the Magners League in 2007 and has appeared for his hometown province on 68 occasions.
Commenting on the announcement, Healy said: “I am delighted to have my new contract signed as it means I can continue to concentrate on playing for my home province and improving my game further. It has been a good couple of weeks for us and so I just want to focus on playing well for Leinster to keep me firmly in the plans of Declan and the national team.”
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
