The IRFU and Leinster Rugby today announced that Keith Gleeson has signed a new two-year deal on a day that he was also voted the province's player-of-the-month for a second time this season.

Gleeson’s re-signing comes fresh after similar contract extensions from Brian O’Driscoll and Malcolm O’Kelly.

Gleeson admitted that he was delighted to put pen to paper: "I am really pleased to commit my immediate future to Leinster and Ireland. I believe that both Leinster and Ireland are moving in the right direction and I’m proud to be a part of such an excellent group of players.

"There is a lot of excitement around Leinster at the moment with the Toulouse game on the horizon and hopefully my recent form can act as a spring-board to get me back in the Ireland squad."

Leinster coach Michael Cheika added: "I am extremely happy that Keith has decided to continue his career with Leinster. He has been in outstanding form this season and he is developing his game to a new level which is setting high standards for many of our young players to aspire to.

"His leadership and work ethic epitomize the type of player we are profiling for in our recruitment and retention programme and he is highly regarded as an invaluable member of our squad. His decision to stay with Leinster is a huge positive for the club and a reflection of the positive culture the players themselves are breeding into the Leinster camp."

As for his player of the month award Gleeson was equally delighted: "It means a lot that this award was voted for by the supporters themselves because the support that we received throughout January was incredible in both the Celtic League and the Heineken Cup and hopefully there will be more to cheer about in the coming weeks and months."