Irish rugby has been given a massive boost with the news that Leinster trio Brian O’Driscoll, Jamie Heaslip and Jonathan Sexton have all agreed new deals with the IRFU.
Sexton and Heaslip had been strongly moved with moves to France, with rumours today suggesting that the Sexton had turned down a lucrative €500,000 offer to join a team in the French Top 14. The future of O’ Driscoll, who turned 32 last month, was also in doubt, but because of today’s announcement, three of Ireland’s leading players will play their rugby in the country until at least 2013.
O’Driscoll and Sexton put pen to paper on deals that last until the end of the 2012/13 season, while Heaslip went one step further and committed himself until the summer of 2014.
O’Driscoll’s new deal puts an end to speculation that he may soon retire, while also putting him in the frame for the Lions tour of Australia in two years time, in what would be O’Driscoll’s fourth appearance for the touring side.
The Ireland captain revealed that the progress made by Leinster in the last number of years was a key factor in his decision to commit to a new deal.
“Playing in Ireland with Leinster for my entire career has been all the more enjoyable knowing that my rugby goals I have achieved to date were with an organisation that has really grown at the same time as me over the last ten years,” he said.
“Leinster and Irish Rugby has progressed so far during that time that winning Magners Leagues, Heineken Cups and Grand Slams was infinitely more satisfying knowing that it was done playing in Ireland with my home province.”
Jamie Heaslip, currently out of action with an ankle injury, said of the new deal: “I am pleased to have agreed a new contract and to commit myself to Leinster for a further three years. I have been fortunate to enjoy some great success already in my career and I want to achieve more with Leinster and Ireland in the years ahead. There is tremendous competition for places at both provincial and national level which augurs well for the future.
“Now that I am going to be part of that I just want to concentrate on getting over my injury and getting back on the pitch for Ireland as soon as possible.”
Sexton, meanwhile, who was strongly linked with a move abroad, said: “There is something special building in Leinster at the moment and as well as the involvement with Ireland in a World Cup year, that was the main influence on my decision.
“It has been great to get my contract finalised ahead of what is going to be a pretty exciting and challenging period for the Ireland squad and now I just want to focus on playing the best rugby that I can and hopefully contributing to further success with Ireland and Leinster.”
Ireland coach Declan Kidney was delighted with the news, saying: “I think that Brian, Jamie and Jonathan agreeing new contracts is great news as all three players have key roles to play for province and country.
“The benefit to the Irish team to have these players remaining here in Ireland cannot be understated and I am delighted to see that they have made this commitment.”
Leinster coach Joe Schmidt echoed that, saying: “It’s a great boost to finally secure the contract extensions of Brian, Jamie and Johnny. They have been key players in the province’s recent success and they offer genuine leadership, talent and experience as we strive toward further success.
“Being of genuine Leinster stock it’s great to have three such pivotal players join with a number of other players who have recently extended their contracts, reaffirming that loyalty amongst Irish players can still outweigh lucrative overseas offers. For the province, our sponsors and supporters it offers great stability going forward.”
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