IRFU bids to hold on to top stars

Anecdotal evidence that the IRFU has shown greater urgency in tying its top players up to new contracts was given a concrete footing yesterday with the confirmation that an offer has already been made to Jamie Heaslip.

The Leinster and Ireland number eight is one of the most high-profile players whose existing deals are due to expire at the end of the current season. Sean O’Brien and Conor Murray are in the same boat.

The spotlight on such private discussions has increased considerably with claim and counter-claim between the union and his agent Fintan Drury over O’Brien’s future being played out in the press this week.