Ireland captain Paul O’Connell has turned down a potentially lucrative move to France to sign a new two-year central contract that will keep him at Munster until at least 2016.
Monday’s announcement by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) means the 34-year-old lock is now set to see out his career with his home province.
O’Connell’s decision, coming shortly before the start of the Six Nations next month, will be a welcome boost to the IRFU as it bids to keep its top players at home and out of the hands of wealthy French clubs. Ireland outside-half Jonathan Sexton joined Paris-based Racing Metro at the start of this season.
“Over the years I have been privileged to play in many fantastic Munster sides,” O’Connell said, “and as we build for the future I am excited by the prospect of playing my part in achieving success with Munster and Ireland in the coming seasons.”
O’Connell has made 154 Munster appearances since his debut in 2001 and has been capped 88 times by Ireland.
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