Johnny Sexton has signed a new IRFU deal that will take him to the 2023 World Cup in France.
Sexton, 36, has 103 Ireland caps and remains Andy Farrell's first-choice no 10.
He is set to return to the starting line-up against England at Twickenham in the Six Nations clash on Saturday, having recovered from a hamstring injury that saw him miss the loss to France and come off the bench against Italy.
Sexton's current deal is up in the summer and he was hoping to get a new deal sorted by the end of the championship.
“I always said that if I am enjoying my rugby and the Ireland and Leinster set-ups believe I can add value to the environment then it would be an easy decision to sign another contract," said the Leinster and Ireland captain.
"There is some great talent coming through at Leinster at present and I am excited about the prospect of competing at a fourth World Cup with Ireland and the potential for growth in this group between now and then.”
David Nucifora, IRFU Performance Director, commented: “Johnny’s performances continue to be of the highest standard and he remains an integral member of the Ireland and Leinster squads.
"He has always been a leader on the field and in the past two years since taking on the Ireland captaincy his leadership off it has been top class. Johnny is a generational player and we are delighted that he has extended to 2023.”
More to follow....
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