Done deals: Irish pair commit futures to provinces

Peter O’Mahony and Iain Henderson have inked new three-year deals.

Munster captain O'Mahony says he is delighted to end speculation about his future by signing a new deal to play with the province and Ireland.

"I am delighted to have signed a new three year contract with Munster and the IRFU. Munster is my home province; the team I've grown up supporting and am honoured to both represent and captain,” said the 25-year-old.

O'Mahony had been linked with a move abroad, with Toulouse among the rumoured suitors. So Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald was relieved to keep one of the province’s youth products at home.

“Peter, a product of our academy system, is hugely competitive and highly ambitious. He leads by example on and off the field and is a perfect role model for all aspiring young players.”

Ulster forward Iain Henderson has also committed himself to Irish rugby. The versatile 22 year-old, who can play in the back row or second row, came on as a second-half replacement in the win over France last weekend.

Ulster Rugby’s Team Manager, Bryn Cunningham emphasised the need for the province to hang onto its homegrown stars.

“As we seek to build a team around a core group of highly talented, homegrown Ulster players, retaining the services of someone like Iain was hugely important to us.

“We know that with his ability and with what he has achieved already in the game that there were other leading European clubs extremely keen to sign him, therefore I am delighted that he has committed to his home province for a further three seasons.”

“Iain is without doubt one of the most exciting young players in European Rugby. An exceptionally powerful runner with ball-in-hand, his strength and high work-rate around the park make him a vital member of our squad."

Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors have announced the signing of Italian international flanker Simone Favaro on a two-year contract from Benetton Treviso. The 26-year-old has won 23 caps for Italy.