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.