Former Leinster second-row Bob Casey has signed a new two-year contract with London Irish, ending speculation that he was set to return to the Irish province.
Having been left out of the November internationals, Casey had been linked with a move back to Donnybrook to improve his chances of an Ireland recall. He won his last almost six years ago.
Casey was overlooked again earlier this week when Eddie O'Sullivan decided there was no room for him in his Six Nations squad. However, the 27-year-old, who is enjoying his rugby in the Guinness Premiership, opted to commit his future to the London club rather than return home in the hope of swaying O'Sullivan's opinion.
The 27-year-old, capped five times by Ireland, has signed a deal with the Exiles that will keep him in London until 2008.
"This is great news for the club," said Irish rugby director Brian Smith. "In my opinion, Bob is one of the best locks in the Guinness Premiership. He is an important part of what we are building here, and we are delighted he is staying."
Elsewhere, Ireland's Shane Jennings will play no part in Leicester's Heineken Cup match against Clermont Auvergne tomorrow.
The fomer Leinster flanker has a shoulder injury and wont be risked at the Parc des Sports Marcel-Michelin.
He played the first half of last week’s win over Stade Francais but was forced to retire with the problem at half-time.
Tigers head coach Pat Howard says Jennings does not need surgery but will be rested nonetheless to let damaged nerves can settle.
"Shane, because of the nature of his injury and the short turnaround between matches, won't be risked," Howard said.
"Obviously, it is a bit unfortunate, but we need to look after him."
Leicester, the 2001 and 2002 champions, need just a single point to secure a quarter-final spot but must win to force a home quarter-final tie.
Finally, Munster coach Declan Kidney has announced a 28 man squad ahead of Saturday’s Heineken Cup game against Sale at Thomond Park.
The squad trained at Musgrave Park today and the only absentee was outhalf Jeremy Manning who broke a bone in his arm during an AIB League game at the weekend.
Kidney is unlikely to make any changes to the starting line up for this must win game, although Mossy Lawlor should be named on the bench in place of Manning.
MUNSTER: John Hayes, Marcus Horan, Federico Pucciariello, Frank Roche, Tony Buckley, Jerry Flannery, Denis Fogarty, Mick O'Driscoll, Paul O'Connell, Trevor Hogan, Donncha O'Callaghan, Stephen Keogh, David Wallace, Denis Leamy, Anthony Foley (captain), Peter Stringer, Tomás O'Leary, Ronan O'Gara, Paul Burke, Anthony Horgan, Ian Dowling, Trevor Halstead, Gary Connolly, Barry Murphy, John Kelly, Anthon Pitout, Mossie Lawlor, Shaun Payne
