Ross targets new two-year contract

Ireland prop Mike Ross is eyeing up a new two-year contract to take him into his late 30s and with the shortage of Test-ready tightheads in these parts there may not be a better time to ask for it.

The Leinster front rower turns 35 next month but never have his services been more greatly in demand with regular back-up in the Ireland number three jersey Marty Moore out injured along with newly-qualified Kiwi Nathan White, leaving the capped but still inexperienced pair of Rodney Ah You and Stephen Archer next in line.

Their lack of Test exposure meant it was vital for head coach Joe Schmidt to press Ross into service last weekend against South Africa and even though the Cork man had not played for a month due to a groin injury he racked up 74 minutes on his return before giving way to Ah You.