Rugby:Amid all the talk of a mass exodus of Irish internationals to the big-spending French Top 14 after the World Cup, Leinster have moved to secure the long-term future of another of its brightest stars by agreeing a new three-year deal with Seán O'Brien.
While Jonathan Sexton and Jamie Heaslip may continue to attract interest from France, at least until they sign on the dotted line with the IRFU, O’Brien has followed in the footsteps of fellow international Cian Healy by committing himself to the Irish province.
Shane Jennings also negotiated a three-year extension to his contract while young guns Fergus McFadden, Devin Toner and Jack McGrath penned new two-year deals.
The news that O’Brien will remain at the RDS will not only be welcomed by Joe Schmidt but also by Ireland’s Declan Kidney. Given his current form – the flanker turned in yet another man-of-the-match performance against Saracens last weekend – O’Brien is guaranteed to add to his four caps during the upcoming Six Nations.
Rumours of a move to France had surfaced before Christmas but the player himself is keen to build an enduring legacy with Leinster.
“I am delighted to commit myself for a further three years to Leinster,” the 23-year-old said today. “I believe there is something very special about this club and with so many talented players at our disposal — and with the management team working well — I am confident that the great achievements of recent years can be matched or even maybe surpassed.
“While it was flattering to have interest from overseas, I desperately want to be part of the Leinster story for the foreseeable future.”
At 29, Jennings has plenty left to offer Schmidt and his consistency this season has been rewarded with a new deal. And the former Leicester backrow, a Heineken Cup winner in 2009, had no intention of moving on.
“Since re-joining the province in the summer of 2008 Leinster has gone from strength to strength on and off the park,” he said. “It has always been my ambition to be a part of a successful Leinster side and I have no doubt that with the competitive nature of the up-and-coming and established members of our squad that the future looks bright.”
Toner already has three caps to his name while McFadden is already being lined up as a future Ireland international. At 21, McGrath has the least experience of the players to agree new deals. But the former Ireland under-20 prop is highly regarded within the province with Schmidt delighted to keep hold of “an exciting front row talent”.
“All five players have come through the Leinster Academy system and it is vital for the future growth of both Leinster and Irish rugby that we retain our leading indigenous talent,” Schmidt added. “It is a timely boost that all five have decided to sign contract extensions at this stage in their careers.”
