Retaining Irish stars a ‘huge statement’

Leinster CEO Mick Dawson described the retention yesterday of Jamie Heaslip and that of Sean O’Brien last week as a “huge statement” in the battle to keep the best Irish players at home with the provinces.

Heaslip signed a three-year deal to remain at Leinster, while O’Brien inked a two-year contract, despite both being chased by a number of French clubs.

Unlike last year, Ireland can now begin their Six Nations campaign unhindered by contract speculation, even if the news was tempered by confirmation Keith Earls will miss the tournament with medial ligament damage suffered against Edinburgh with Munster last Sunday.