Trimble signs new Ireland contract as Hogan bows out

ULSTER back Andrew Trimble has joined the list of players committing his future to Irish rugby after signing a new Ireland international contract that will keep him at Ravenhill until the end of the 2012-13 season.

On the day when former Ireland, Leinster and Munster lock Trevor Hogan was forced to call time on his career due to a knee injury at the age of 31, Trimble secured his prospects for the next two years as he joined provincial team-mate and fellowIreland international Stephen Ferris in signing an Ireland international contract until 2013.

Ireland and Leinster prop Cian Healy put pen to paper on a new deal last week, while Munster pair Ronan O’Gara and Donncha O’Callaghan struck new deals last month. However, IRFU chief executive Philip Browne this week warnedg stars such as Leinster trio Jamie Heaslip, Sean O’Brien and Jonathan Sexton, all coveted by French clubs, that his organisation would not be held to ransom in a battle for their services.