Rob Kearney says there are goals he still wants to achieve following the news of his nine-month contract extension with Leinster.
The 33-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal which will see the full-back stay with his home province until the end of the 2020 campaign.
Louth man Kearney has amassed 209 caps for Leinster, winning four Heineken Cups, a Challenge Cup and five Celtic League/Guinness PRO rugby titles across 14 seasons but feels he can add to that collection in 2020.
“I am feeling pretty good about where I am physically and mentally after a long season which has contained a few lows but also some massive highs. There are goals I still want to achieve with both Leinster and Ireland next season but I will enjoy a couple of weeks off now before getting stuck into what will be a hugely exciting season for Irish Rugby."
Kearney revealed to Off The Ball's Joe Molloy last night that his preference for a one-year rather than two-year contract had prolonged talks with the IRFU.
“The offer was on the table two or three months ago, then there were a few things to sort out.
“My intention was to finish it all off this week and, in the mean time, things got kicked out of proportion.
“You do have to make your case, but I suppose I have been very lucky that I can be a bit factual about it,” said the 33-year-old who is Irish rugby’s most decorated player.
“Part of the sticking point was nine months, versus a two-year contract, so I suppose that is where a little bit of a delay was."
IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora is delighted to have reached an agreement with Kearney, who was today named in Joe Schmidt's training squad for the World Cup.
“Rob has contributed a huge amount to Irish Rugby and has performed at a high level again this year for Ireland and Leinster.
"We are delighted that he will continue his career in Ireland in what will be his 15th season as a senior pro.”
Everyone’s in the Team Of Us.
Vodafone. The Official Sponsor of the Irish Rugby Team.
