Jamie Heaslip has become the latest player to sign a new IRFU contract. The 30 year old had been linked with a big money move to France. He has however followed in the footsteps of Paul O’Connell, Sean O’Brien and Keith Earls in deciding to stay in Ireland. Heaslip has put pen to paper on a three-year contract that will keep him at Leinster until June 2017.
The news comes after the naming of the Irish Wolfhounds team to play the England Saxons in Gloucester. Coach Anthony Foley has been able to name an impressive line up. In total there are 12 players capped at senior level and most are starters with their Provinces. Another Leinster back row Rhys Ruddock will captain the side. All will be hoping to impress Joe Schmidt ahead of the Six Nations opener against Scotland.
Felix Jones, Craig Gilroy and Fergus McFadden form the back three. Darren Cave and Robbie Henshaw the centre partnership. Ian Madigan and Issac Boss the half back pairing. Ulster Hooker Rob Herring joins Dave Kilcoyne and Martin Moore in the front row. Iain Henderson and Dan Tuohy are the locks. While Tommy O’Donnell joins new Munster signing Robin Copeland and Ruddock in the back row. Ruddock says it is a massive privilege to be selected as skipper.
