Schmidt happy as new deals penned

LEINSTER coach Joe Schmidt yesterday hailed confirmation that five of his players have signed new deals with the province admitting it is “vital for the future growth of Irish rugby that we retain our leading indigenous talent.”

Schmidt breathed a sigh of relief after Shane Jennings and Sean O’Brien inked three-year agreements while Devin Toner, Fergus McFadden and Jack McGrath have signed up for another two seasons.

With continued speculation that cash rich French clubs have expressed interest in many of their stars including O’Brien, Jonathon Sexton and Jamie Heaslip, yesterday’s announcement was welcome news to Schmidt and to Irish rugby chiefs.

Schmidt said: “We are delighted that all five players have committed their long term futures to the province. That both Shane and Sean have, at different times, 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 and has progressed through to the senior panel. 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.”

Jennings and O’Brien said the talent and potential for silverware within the squad were the central reasons for their decision to stay.

Jennings said: “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. Since re-joining the province in the summer of 2008 Leinster has gone from strength to strength on and off the park and I’m proud to be a part of a club that has such strong values and ambitions. 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.”

Tullow native O’Brien continued: “I believe there is something very special about this club and with so many talented players at our disposal — and the management team is working well — I am keen to be part of a group working hard toward matching the great achievements of recent years and even trying to surpass them. While it was flattering to have interest from overseas, I desperately want to be part of the Leinster story for the foreseeable future.”