Still time to exchange that French phrase book you got Sean O’Brien for Christmas

The Tullow Tank has effectively ended speculation of him ever scooting off to France.

Sean O'Brien has penned a new deal with Leinster and the IRFU that will take him up to the 2019 World Cup. The 28-year-old, who is currently sidelined with ongoing balance issues, has made 98 appearances for Leinster since his 2008 debut. He has won 41 caps for Ireland, most recently against France in the World Cup. Here are the canned quotes, starting with O'Brien:

"Growing up as a young lad in Tullow it was always my ambition to play for Leinster Rugby and Ireland so you never take moments like this for granted and I am very grateful for the opportunity to sign with a club that I feel is going in the right direction under Leo and the rest of the coaching team. "I think we have a hugely talented group of players and coaches at provincial and national level and it is something that I want to be a part of."

IRFU performance director David Nucifora; "Sean is not only a proven world class player but he is a leader within the national set up and at Leinster. The IRFU are delighted that Sean has committed to playing in Ireland until after the next World Cup." Leinster chief executive Mick Dawson: "Sean is a very important figure within the Leinster set up and we are delighted to have secured his services for another three years. "He is a great example to kids out there playing rugby that the 'Leinster Pathway' system that we have in place and the effectiveness of same in identifying and nurturing home grown talent from grass roots in Tullow up to the very top level of our sport, is working."