Leinster confirmed today that 27 existing players had signed new IRFU contracts with the province and a further four have been added to the squad.
Leinster confirm signing of @mickkearney06 as 31 players commit to the club #COYBIB http://t.co/Q9zZGrFy83 pic.twitter.com/OCQkRaSn27
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) April 9, 2015
Among the 27 players committing to play for Leinster for 2015/2016 and beyond are 15 internationals, many of whom played a part in Ireland’s Six Nations win last month.
Head coach Matt O’Connor highlighted the importance of Leinster players to the international squad.
"20 Leinster players were in the extended Irish camp recently during the 6 Nations” he said today.
“I think it reflects very well on the set up that we have here in Leinster that so many international class players have chosen to put pen to paper with us and that they see their immediate future in a blue jersey."
Delighted to have signed on for another 2 years with @leinsterrugby ,big thanks to @IKONTALENT crew for making process so easy #excitingtime
— luke fitzgerald (@lukefitz11) April 9, 2015
Isaac Boss, Sean Cronin, Luke Fitzgerald, Rob Kearney, Zane Kirchner, Fergus McFadden, Kevin McLaughlin, Martin Moore, Jordi Murphy, Eoin Reddan, Noel Reid, Mike Ross, Dominic Ryan, Richardt Strauss and Devin Toner have all recommitted to Leinster.
Zane Kirchner has signed on to stay with Leinster into next season. #Leinster pic.twitter.com/zvSlKVpDuF
— Leinster Live (@LeinsterLive) April 9, 2015
The other players who put pun to paper once more are Bryan Byrne,Ed Byrne,Jack Conan,Tom Denton, Darragh Fanning, Dan Leavy, Cathal Marsh, Luke McGrath, Mick McGrath, Colm O'Shea, James Tracy, Josh Van Der Flier.
Leinster's Signings for 2015/2016:
— Leinster Live (@LeinsterLive) April 9, 2015
Royce Burke-Flynn
Ian Hirst
Mick Kearney
Jonathan Sexton
[unnamed player]
Leinster confirmed Irish international Jonny Sexton is to re-sign for the province and he will be joined by lock Mick Kearney and props Royce Burke-Flynn and Ian Hirst.