Veteran prop Cian Healy has become the latest Ireland player to sign a new contract with the IRFU, extending his deal until the end of the 2021-22 season.
The three-time Six Nations winner follows in the footsteps of the likes of Johnny Sexton, Iain Henderson and Peter O’Mahony in extending his rugby career in Ireland.
The deal means Healy will stay with Leinster, where he has made 226 appearances, and be available to play for Ireland.
The prop made his international debut against Australia in 2009 and was selected for the 2013 British & Irish Lions tour, where he made two appearances.
He won his first Six Nations title the following year as Ireland claimed the 2014 crown in Brian O’Driscoll’s last Championship, and they successfully defended it a year later.
Healy also played a key role in Ireland’s 2018 Grand Slam, while he won his 100th cap against France in Round 5 of the 2020 Championship.
“My drive for success at both Leinster and Ireland is as strong as ever,” he said.
“I am lucky enough to currently be part of two teams with the same mentality which is special and I look forward to another season of pushing boundaries and achieving our goals.
“I’m loving my rugby as much now as I did at the very start of my career and looking forward to having our supporters back in stadia.”
