Leinster tie down their stars
European Cup champions Leinster have ensured good continuity for the future by finalising 18 contract extensions and two new signings.
Star outside back Isa Nacewa, who has been a stand-out performer and double European Cup winner for the province since his arrival in the summer of 2008, has signed a one-year extension to his deal until the end of the 2013/14 season.
Ireland international Kevin McLaughlin has signed a three-year deal while there are two-year extensions for fellow internationals Isaac Boss, Gordon D’Arcy, Eoin Reddan and Rhys Ruddock.
With a number of former Leinster Academy products such as Andrew Conway, David Kearney and Ian Madigan each agreeing two year extensions they will join forward duo Leo Auva’a and Aaron Dundon who have each come up through the ranks in recent years.
Club captain Leo Cullen, Fionn Carr, John Cooney, Brendan Macken and Springbok prop Heinke van der Merwe have all agreed one-year deals, while Mark Flanagan and Tom Sexton have signed one-year development contracts.
The two new signings come in the form of Irish qualified 25-year-old tighthead prop Michael Bent who has signed from Super Rugby side the Hurricanes and 24-year-old lock Tom Denton who arrives from Leeds Carnegie.
Commenting on the deals, coach Joe Schmidt said: “By swiftly concluding these deals, it enables us to plan ahead and I would like to pay tribute to all those who have assisted in the process. The process of recruitment can be quite drawn out, but we are delighted to announce these new extensions as well as welcoming Michael and Tom, who are two highly rated forwards who will add to the competitiveness in our pack over the coming seasons.
“There is a welcome mix of home-grown youth and experienced players amongst this batch of renewals, while we are delighted to announce extensions for Isa (Nacewa) and Heinke (van der Merwe) who have both contributed a significant amount on and off the field of play since their arrival.
“Each of the players have expressed a real enthusiasm to be part of a competitive Leinster squad and it is testament to the hard work of the staff and players – allied with the backing of our growing band of supporters – that has helped make the environment here such a very positive one,” added Schmidt.
