Cian Healy signs new three-year IRFU contract with Leinster

Ireland and Leinster prop Cian Healy has ended speculation surrounding his future by signing a new three-year IRFU contract.

The new deal will keep the loosehead at Leinster up until the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Healy, who is currently sidelined following knee surgery, has made 147 appearances for Leinster since making his debut in 2007.

The Dublin-born prop has won three European titles, a Challenge Cup and two PRO12 titles with the province, in addition to two Six Nations Championships with Ireland.

"I feel that I am coming back to full fitness now and would like to thank the medical and S&C teams for their ongoing support," said Healy, who has won 56 caps for his country.

"There are a lot of exciting young talented players coming through at Leinster and Ireland and I am looking forward to competing for silverware over the next few seasons." 

Healy's club future was thrown into doubt on Tuesday when the 28-year-old's name failed to appear on a list released by Leinster showing players that had joined or renewed their contracts with the province.

Aviva Premiership club Worcester Warriors had reportedly offered Healy a lucrative contract to move to England, thought to be worth around £580,000 a year.  

However, the Ireland international has now committed his future to Leinster, much to the relief of the IRFU's performance director, David Nucifora.

"Cian is one of the most explosive athletes in world rugby and has proven for both Ireland and Leinster his ability to compete at the highest levels of the game," Nucifora said.

"We are delighted that Cian has committed to playing in Ireland up until after the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan."