New deal will keep O’Connell with Munster until 2009

PAUL O’CONNELL has signed a new deal with the IRFU, keeping him with Munster until 2009.

One of the finest second-row forwards in the game, O’Connell has been coveted by some of the wealthiest clubs in England and France and even by teams in the Southern Hemisphere, who traditionally only go with home produced talent.

O’Connell’s IRFU contract was up in May but he has committed to staying through the World Cup in France in the autumn of 2007 and at least to the end of the 2008/09 season. Coming shortly after a similar move by Brian O’Driscoll, the news augurs well for the immediate future of the Ireland, Leinster and Munster teams and may motivate a number of those waiting to sign deals to stay at home.

The IRFU has also come to an arrangement with Malcolm O’Kelly and Keith Gleeson, so the people at 62 Lansdowne Road have to be very pleased at how negotiations are progressing.

Given that O’Driscoll and O’Connell are 27 and 26 respectively and are probably entering the best playing days of their careers, the Union must have had to dig deep to keep them on board. This is another indication of how well they have handled player contracts since the game went professional. O’Connell has won 31 caps since making his debut against Wales in 2002 and is expected to have recovered from a shoulder injury to take his place against Scotland on Saturday next.

“There was no great dilemma in making this decision,” claimed O’Connell last night. “When you consider the talent in the Munster squad and their work ethic and ambition, I don’t think you would find anything comparable at another club, while I’m also very happy with the coaching set-up.

“All things considered, I’m delighted and just looking forward to getting on with the job of helping Munster and Ireland to achieve the goals we’ve set for ourselves.”

Commenting on the news, Munster chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald said: “We are really pleased that a player of Paul’s stature has committed himself to Munster for the next few years. It is tremendous news for us and a great boost as we face into the latter stages of the Celtic League and Heineken Cup.”