New three-year Munster deal for O'Donnell

The 28-year-old Munster academy graduate first made his competitive debut against Scarlets in Cork in 2007 and has gone on to make 101 appearances for the province, scoring 13 tries. It was against the same Welsh side that the Tipperary-man made his first European appearance in December 2011 in Thomond Park.

One of eight players with over 100 caps in the current squad the flank was named the Munster Rugby Player of the Year in May 2013 and deservedly went on to make his Ireland debut that June against USA.

O'Donnell has represented Ireland on 9 occasions, has made 2 Ireland 'A' appearances and played in Emerging Ireland's Nations Cup winning campaign in June 2014.

Although Tommy is currently rehabbing a hip injury he sustained during Ireland's World Cup warm-up game against Wales in August the player himself has expressed his delight at the latest contract extension.   

Tommy O'Donnell said, "I am delighted to sign up for a further three years with my home club. In committing for such a period I can focus on the job at hand, getting back to full fitness, while knowing I have the opportunity to make a difference and help towards shaping the future of this squad."  

In a week that saw CJ Stander also sign a contract extension the Munster squad and supporters will be further boosted by this latest news. 

Head coach Anthony Foley added, "To see guys like CJ and now Tommy committing to Munster is great for everyone involved. 

"We all know what Tommy is capable of here, and as a dynamic and powerful player we look forward to seeing him back on the pitch soon.  He leads this group through his work ethic and professional approach so to have someone with those values continue with us bodes well for the future.”       

Tommy is in line to make a return to action in the New Year.