Devin Toner has become the latest member of the Ireland rugby squad to put pen to paper on a new contract.
The giant second row has signed a two-year extension that will keep him at Leinster until the summer of 2017.
It’s more good business for the union, who continue to demonstrate the harsh lessons learned from the departure of Jonathan Sexton to Racing Metro two years ago.
Expiring contracts have been renegotiated earlier than ever this season, with Rob Kearney, Mike Ross, Felix Jones, Dave Kilcoyne and Darren Cave all already committing their futures to their provinces in recent weeks.
For Toner, holder of 20 Ireland caps, the new deal is just reward for a 2014 in which he confirmed his status as an international second row, forming a potent lineout partnership with Paul O’Connell in Six Nations and autumn international successes.
Toner said: ‘It is great to have signed on for another two years with Leinster. I have been with the province for almost a decade and during that time they have invested a lot in my development and have given me the platform to reach my potential and achieve success at both provincial and national level.’
IRFU performance director David Nucifora said: ‘Devin has developed into an international level second row over the last few seasons. He has performed consistently at a high level for both Ireland and Leinster and is illustrating strong leadership skills in both the provincial and national environments.’
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