Rugby:Confirming one of the worst kept secrets in Irish rugby, Leinster today announced Connacht hooker Seán Cronin will join the province during the summer. The Ireland international has agreed a two-year deal to move to the RDS.

Rumours of Cronin’s proposed move east have been circulating for weeks and, with issues still surrounding new deals for Jonathan Sexton and Jamie Heaslip, Leinster coach Joe Schmidt was delighted to get another contract out of the way.

“It’s great that Sean has confirmed that he will join us this summer,” the New Zealander said. “He is a dynamic and talented front rower who will add experience at hooker following the retirement of John Fogarty earlier this season.”

The 24-year-old’s career has blossomed in Connacht since his move from Munster in 2008. Having failed to establish himself in Limerick, where he found himself well down the pecking order, Cronin has seen his stock rise to the extent where he is firmly a part of Declan Kidney’s plans at international level.

With Richardt Strauss and Jason Harris-Wright already vying for spots in the front row, Cronin’s signing should leave Leinster’s frontrow resources in rude health for some time to come.

“I have been hugely impressed by Leinster’s displays both in the Magners League and in the Heineken Cup so far this season and the province’s ambitions mirror my own,” Cronin said today. “Hopefully I can establish myself in the squad when I join up in a few months time.

“I am grateful for the opportunity that Connacht have given me over the last three years to play for a fantastic club.”