Josh van der Flier signs contract extension with Leinster

Josh van der Flier has signed a new contract with Leinster, extending the flanker's stay with the province which began when he joined their academy a decade ago. The 28-year-old flanker has been one of the most improved players in Irish rugby over the last couple of seasons and is enjoying his most productive campaign to date, scoring nine tries in 14 appearances for province and country.

Van der Flier made his senior competitive debut for Leinster against Zebre in October 2014, and is in his sixth season in the province's senior squad. He has played 106 games for Leinster as well as winning 37 caps for Ireland, becoming the first-choice openside.

Van der Flier's latest contract extension comes on the same day that Leinster confirmed that Ciarán Frawley and Ed Byrne have also signed new deals with the province. The 24-year-old Frawley has played 46 games for Leinster, scoring 150 points, and brings added value given the Skerries utility back can play out-half, centre and full-back, albeit he has become more of a specialist inside centre lately.

The 28-year-old Byrne, from Carlow, has played 77 times for Leinster and has also won six caps for Ireland.