Ireland and Munster secondrow Paul O'Connell has extended his contract with country and province in a deal that will keep him in Ireland until the end of the 2009 season, writes Johnny Watterson.
The Irish Rugby Football Union and Munster yesterday announced they had agreed terms with O'Connell for the next four years.
The secondrow, who was also part of the Lions tour to New Zealand last summer, has become one of Ireland's senior internationals in a relatively short time and has won 31 caps since making his debut against Wales in 2002.
In the absence of Brian O'Driscoll, O'Connell also led his country on two occasions. Since making his debut for Munster in 2001, he has earned 60 caps.
O'Connell said there was no real conflict entailed in committing to the terms.
"It wasn't a difficult decision, really," he said. "When you consider the players we (Munster) have, consider their work ethic and ambition, I don't think you would find anything comparable at another club. Besides that I'm very happy with the coaching set-up we have.
"All things considered I'm delighted and just looking forward to getting on with the job of helping Munster and Ireland achieve the goals we've set for ourselves."
Both Munster chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald and IRFU chief executive Philip Browne also expressed their satisfaction at the agreement with the player, now considered one of the best locks in world rugby.
