Heaslip stays at Leinster

Leinster's Jamie Heaslip has signed a new three-year deal with the IRFU which keeps him with the Blues until June 2017.

It has been a good couple of weeks for the IRFU, who have also managed to keep fellow Leinster man Sean O'Brien and Munster duo Keith Earls and Paul O'Connell in Ireland.

The Kildare native has been the subject of intense interest from France, especially Toulon and Montpellier, but he has resisted to commit to Leinster for the foreseeable future.

After signing on the dotted line Heaslip said: "It is great to have signed on for another three years with Leinster. Leinster is where I wanted to continue playing and I am happy that the process is now at end.

"I am looking forward to playing my role in driving success for both Leinster and Ireland."

Jamie made his senior debut for Leinster against the Ospreys in March 2005 and has since made 176 appearances for Leinster, scoring 34 tries.

Leinster CEO Mick Dawson said: "We are delighted that Jamie has signed a new IRFU contract which keeps him at Leinster up to the end of the 2017 season.

"Jamie has played a massive role in Leinster's success over the past six or seven years, he is a key leader within the squad and he will play an integral part in the club's plans to compete for silverware in the years to come."

The 30-year-old has won 60 caps for Ireland, his last appearance being the 22-20 loss to New Zealand in November.

Jamie was shortlisted for the IRB Player of the Year Award in 2009 and for the ERC Player of the Year Award in 2013.

IRFU CEO Philip Browne said: "We are delighted that Jamie has committed his future to Leinster and Ireland for the next three years.

"He has been one of most consistent performers and top number eights in world rugby for many years and has played a starring role for Leinster, Ireland and the Lions."