Leinster have secured the services of five homegrown stars in deals ranging from two to three years.
It's difficult to find a negative around Leinster Rugby at the minute as the eastern province romps toward the Heineken Cup knockout stages with a free-running offloading style. Knowing that this group of players, who will form a core part of the squad after this autumn's World Cup, are committed to a long term future at the RDS is a further boost.
Man of the moment Sean O'Brien is amongst the quintet and the Carlow man has put his name to a new three year deal. Fellow experienced first XV man Shane Jennings is also rewarded with an offer to remain with the province until 2014.
Jennings, the senior member of the fab five (which also consists of Fergus McFadden, Devin Toner and Jack McGrath) summed up the mood on the East coast saying:
"It's an exciting time for the province - There's a determination within the group to push on and continue to improve and the aspirations of my team-mates as well as the coaching staff was a key factor in my decision to stay."
O'Brien echoed the sentiments of his back row partner saying:
"I am delighted to commit myself for a further three years to Leinster. I believe there is something very special about this club and with so many talented players at our disposal
The 23 year old freely admitted there had been an overseas offer on the table for his services but was eager to look forward to a bright future under the stewardship of Joe Schmidt and forwards coach Jono Gibbs:
"With the management team working well" said O'Brien, "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."
Schmidt, who had hinted at 'good news' regarding contract negotiations at the weekend, reflected the feel-good vibes around South Dublin as his impressive team presses for honours in both the Magners and Heineken sponsored tournaments.
"We are delighted that all five players have committed their long term futures to the province." Said the Kiwi before underlining the leadership qualities of the men handed three year deals.
"That both Shane and Sean have, at separate intervals, led the team in Leo Cullen's absence this season speaks volumes about the leadership roles that both assume within our panel"
"Both Fergus and Devin have displayed great consistency in their displays this season, while Jack is an exciting front row talent who started off in the Academy has been upgraded from a Development contract.
"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. It is a timely boost that all five have decided to sign contract extensions at this stage in their careers."
Like O'Brien, Toner earned his first International cap in the autumn but fellow academy graduate McFadden remains uncapped. The Clongowes lad has been a revelation this season at both centre and wing, outperforming contemporaries like Luke Fitzgerald and Keith Earls by a large margin. The 24 year old, who has 10 caps with Ireland A, must surely be part of the equation for Declan Kidney in the Six Nations.
On agreeing the new deal McFadden was evidently confident he was in the right environment to achieve his goals.
"I am pleased to commit to my home province because I believe that this is the ideal environment to advance my personal and, most significantly, collective team ambitions."
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