Rugby:The IRFU has successfully fended off interest from abroad in Brian O'Driscoll, Jonathan Sexton and Jamie Heaslip, revealing all three have committed their future to the domestic scene.
Confirmation of the deals is a significant coup for the union, considering any team in the world would have the Ireland captain if he were to announce his intention to leave Irish shores, and in light of interest from France in Sexton and an Australian inquiry into the availability of Heaslip.
O’Driscoll and Sexton are now contracted to Leinster until the end of the 2012-13 season, while number eight Heaslip has signed until June 2014.
“This is exceptionally good news for Ireland and Leinster to be making the announcement that Brian, Jamie and Jonathan have agreed new contracts to continue to play here in Ireland,” IRFU chief executive Philip Browne, before reserving special praise for O’Driscoll.
“While being equally delighted at both Jamie and Jonathan’s decision to sign new contracts, I feel I do need to make a special mention about Brian O’Driscoll.
“He has shown unwavering professionalism and commitment to Irish and Leinster Rugby throughout his career and is also the perfect example to all young players, showing how the Irish system provides support for natural talent and can have a positive influence on their development and potential by remaining playing here in Ireland.”
The Ireland centre added: “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.”
Heaslip, who will sit out Ireland’s opening game of the 2011 Six Nations against Italy on Saturday through injury, said he was “pleased to have agreed a new contract and to commit myself to Leinster for a further three years”.
The 25-year-old Sexton has been the subject of intense interest from France but insisted today he senses “something special building in Leinster at the moment”.
“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,” said Sexton.
Ireland Coach Declan Kidney said he was “delighted to see that they have made this commitment".
