Donncha O'Callaghan will stay at Munster until at least 2014 after signing a new deal with the Irish Rugby Football Union.
Ireland international to stay at Thomond Park until 2014
Donncha O'Callaghan will stay at Munster until at least 2014 after signing a new deal with the Irish Rugby Football Union.
The 31-year-old lock has been at Munster for his whole career, helping the Irish outfit secure two Heineken Cup titles during his time there.
He has also won has won five Triple Crowns and a Grand Slam since making his Test debut for Ireland seven years ago.
O'Callaghan, who will win his 65th cap when he lines up in Saturday's Test against Samoa at Aviva Stadium, says the decision to stick with Munster was a simple one to make.
"Munster is my home province and the decision to continue my career here was an easy one when you consider the standard of players in the squad," he said.
Focus
"My focus now is to try and perform as well as I can to help Munster and Ireland to be successful."
National team coach Declan Kidney believes it is vital to keep O'Callaghan in Ireland, where the IRFU have a strong involvement in the development of players.
"It is very important that we continue to retain players of the calibre of Donncha and I'm delighted that he has made the decision to remain here," Kidney said.
"I've had the pleasure of working with Donncha through many years of his career and seen him develop into the top class player he is now.
"His professionalism and work ethic are second to none to the point where he is highly respected by coaches, players, opposition and supporters in equal measure."
