Rugby:Ireland lock Donncha O'Callaghan has signed a three-year contract extension with the IRFU that will keep him playing his rugby on these shores until 2014.
The Munster secondrow, who made his debut against Wales in 2003, will win his 65th cap against Samoa on Saturday.
He has been an integral player in the squads that won five triple crowns, one RBS Six Nations Championship and Ireland's second ever Grand Slam in 2009.
"It is very important that we continue to retain players of the calibre of Donncha in Ireland and I am delighted that he has made the decision to remain here,” said Ireland coach Declan Kidney today. “I have had the pleasure to work with Donncha through many years of his career and seen him develop into the top class player that he is now.
“His professionalism and work ethic is second to none to the point where he is highly respected by coaches, players, opposition and supporters in equal measure.”
O’Callaghan said: "As players we are so well looked after by both the national and provincial management teams and I feel incredibly privileged to be able to play the sport I love for both Ireland and Munster.
“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 and the incredible support I have received from both the fans and my family. My focus now is to try and perform as well as I can to help Munster and Ireland to be successful."
His provincial coach Tony McGahan described the news as a “massive boost for Munster given the strong interest there was in him from overseas clubs with far greater financial resources”.
He added: “I think it's also a very encouraging sign for younger players to see a player of his calibre and universal appeal showing the loyalty and commitment he has done by agreeing this new deal.”