Irish tighthead Mike Ross signs one-year IRFU contract

Ireland tighthead prop Mike Ross has signed a new one-year deal with the IRFU that will keep the Corkman with Leinster until June 2016 at least.

Ross, who will turn 35 on Sunday, has won 44 international cap, and has started in the number three shirt for the last 24 international, last missing out through injury in the first Test against New Zealand in June 2012.

The Cork player made his competitive debut for Leinster against the Scarlets in September 2009 and has since made 114 appearances for the province, winning two Heineken Cup titles and Pro 12 League title.

“I am happy to have re-signed with Leinster for another season,” said Ross. “There is a huge amount of talent in the squad and it is an exciting time to be involved with both Leinster and Ireland. The next 12 months will be incredibly busy and challenging but also has the potential to be very rewarding too.”

IRFU performance director, David Nucifora, said: "Mike has shown his value at both provincial and national level over the past number of seasons and we are delighted that we have secured his services until the end of the 2016 season."