Ireland number eight Seán O'Brien has agreed a new deal with the IRFU that will keep him at Leinster until after the Rugby World Cup in 2019.

The 28-year-old made his senior debut for Leinster against Cardiff Blues in September 2008 and has since made 98 appearances for the province, scoring 16 tries.

He made his Ireland debut in the 41-6 win over Fiji at the RDS in November 2009 and has won 41 caps for his country with his last appearance for Ireland a man of the match performance against France in this year’s Rugby World Cup.

During a hugely successful career O’Brien has won three Heineken Cups, a Challenge Cup and two Pro12 titles with Leinster.

“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,” O’Brien said after signing the deal.

IRFU Performance Director, David Nucifora said: “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.”