Rob Kearney signs Leinster deal up until 2018

Rob Kearney has penned a new, three-year deal with Leinster that will take him up to the summer of 2018.

The contract news was announced by Line-Up, Kearney's agents. The deal was signed with the IRFU and is in keeping with the union's new direction of tying up senior internationals to long-term deals before contract terms near expiration.

Delighted to announce that @KearneyRob has agreed terms on a new deal with @IrishRugby @leinsterrugby for a further three years! #teamlineup — Line Up Sports (@LineUpSME) November 11, 2014

Kearney made his Leinster debut in September 2005 against Ospreys. Speaking to JOE.ie about his senior bow recently, Kearney remarked, 'About five minutes into the game Kieran Lewis, who was playing 12, found me with an inside pass... Sonny Parker tackled me and it was like being hit by a train." Kearney has played 155 times for Leinster and joins Sean O'Brien, Jamie Heaslip and the returning Johnny Sexton in committing to the Blues for the foreseeable future. The fullback commented, 'It is a great honour be in a position to extend my contract and hopefully play a part in future success at both provincial and national level.' Leinster chief executive Mick Dawson added, 'Keeping our stars at Leinster will ensure that we continue to compete for silverware in our domestic competition and in Europe.'