Rugby:While question marks continue to hang over the futures of Jamie Heaslip and Jonathan Sexton, Andrew Trimble became the latest Irish international to commit himself to playing within these shores for another two years.
The Ulster wing has agreed a new contract with the IRFU that will keep him at Ravenhill until at least 2013. Despite the lure of big-money contracts from France, IRFU chief executive Philip Browne remains committed to keeping Irish internationals in Ireland and Trimble has joined the likes of Cian Healy, Ronan O’Gara, Stephen Ferris and Donncha O’Callaghan in agreeing new central contracts.
As reported in The Irish Times this morning, Seán O’Brien is believed to be close to putting pen to paper on a new deal while the likelihood of Jonathan Sexton remaining with Leinster has also strengthened in recent weeks.
Trimble’s commitment to Brian McLaughlin’s side puts to bed any unnecessary distractions as Ulster prepare to meet Biarritz in the Heineken Cup this weekend. With a place in the knockout stages on the line, something Ulster haven’t managed since winning the tournament in 1999, Trimble clearly feels the current crop of players can continue to improve.
“Ulster and Irish rugby are going from strength to strength and my decision to stay in Ireland was to make sure I was part of that,” he said today. “We have some big games coming up, so I am really happy that I was able to agree my new contract before we went into the busy period.
“As well as the challenges we have in the Heineken Cup and Magners League coming up, I was conscious that I also wanted to concentrate on playing as well as possible here with Ulster so I can challenge for a place with Ireland ahead of the Six Nations and the World Cup this year. Our game this weekend against Biarritz is my first priority and everybody in Ulster is firmly focused on that.”
The 26-year-old’s decision was also welcomed by Ireland coach Declan Kidney, who added: “It is great news that the IRFU and Andrew have come to an agreement that allows him to continue his playing career in Ireland with Ulster. It is important for both the provinces and Ireland to keep as many of our top players playing here.”
