Rory Best, Rob Kearney and Iain Henderson sign Ireland contract extensions until after 2019 World Cup in Japan

Rory Best, Rob Kearney and Iain Henderson have all signed contract extensions with Ireland.

Best and Kearney have agreed extensions which run until November 2019, after the World Cup in Japan, while Henderson has signed a three-year deal which keeps him with Ulster until June 2021.

Since taking over the Ireland captaincy before the 2016 Six Nations, Best has led Ireland to a maiden victory over the All Blacks in 2016 and 12 successive victories for the first time in their history, with the most recent coming on Saturday when Ireland beat England 24-15 at Twickenham to secure their third ever Grand Slam.

Best, who will be 37 by the time the World Cup begins in Japan, said: "I am in a very privileged position as captain of Ireland and Ulster to be involved with two groups of incredibly talented players.

"I feel I can continue to make a contribution to both Ireland and Ulster and am delighted to have extended my IRFU contract to the next World Cup."

IRFU performance director David Nucifora added: "Rory has been an outstanding leader for Ireland and continues to produce stand-out performances at the highest level of the game.

"He is an important member of the Ireland leadership group and we are delighted that he will continue to play a central role in Irish rugby."

Kearney has won 83 caps for Ireland since making his debut against Argentina in 2007, scoring 13 tries and a conversion.

"I am delighted to have extended my IRFU contract and look forward to continuing to achieve with this Ireland squad," said Kearney, who featured in Ireland's 2009 Grand Slam winning team, alongside Best.

"There have been some fantastic days for both Ireland and Leinster over the course of my career and there is huge potential for growth in both squads as we look to build and develop and challenge for honours."

Henderson, 26, has amassed 38 caps for the national side since his debut against South Africa in November 2012 and toured with the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand last summer.

"I am delighted and extremely proud to extend my playing career in Ireland for a further three years," Henderson said.

"The Irish rugby setup is one of the best in world rugby and, since turning professional, I have been able to develop in an environment that has seen both provincial and national teams being part of some fantastic days."

Nucifora added: "Iain is developing into a world class lock and has taken on the responsibility of calling the line-out in some crunch games for Ireland in recent seasons.

This is just an example of the leadership qualities that he is illustrating for both Ireland and Ulster and his powerful displays and rugby intellect mark him out as a top class talent that have a huge influence on the game at the highest level."