The Co. Louth native put any fears of his exit to rest today however, signing a two year deal and insisting that he is excited about his future with the three-time European champions.

"I’m delighted to be continuing my rugby career in Ireland,” Kearney remarked. “Leinster Rugby has always been my home and I am very excited to be remaining here to play with a great bunch of players and coaching staff.

“I have been very lucky to have experienced success with that same group over the last number of years and with the great support we have, it made it a very easy decision for me."

Kearney made his debut for Leinster in 2005 and has become an integral part of his home province since then, being part of all three of Leinster Rugby’s Heineken Cup wins in 2009, 2011 and 2012.

His international career has seen him captain Ireland at under-19 level before winning his first cap for Ireland on the left wing against Argentina in 2007 in Buenos Aires.

He became a regular in the Ireland team in the 2008 RBS 6 Nations Championship and was part of the 2009 Championship winning side as well playing in the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Having recently lost one key member of his squad Leinster Coach Joe Schmidt was understandably relieved to see Kearney commit to Leinster.

"After being named ERC player of the year in 2012 Rob has had a few frustrations with injury in the first half of this season but he has added genuine value since returning to the side in early January,” Schmidt said.

“From the Leinster Academy through to the Senior team and on to the international stage with Ireland and then the Lions in South Africa, Rob has shown his tremendous rugby ability and genuine drive to keep progressing so it's great that he'll be continuing with Leinster in the years to come.”