RUGBY:TWO OF Leinster's most exciting prospects, Rhys Ruddock and Eoin O'Malley, have committed to the province for another one and two years respectively, while Ireland and Leinster tighthead prop Mike Ross will stay in Dublin until the end of the 2013 season on a central contract with Ireland.

In the last month Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll, number eight Jamie Heaslip, outhalf Jonathan Sexton and fullback Rob Kearney have agreed deals with the IRFU that will keep them in Ireland.

Backrow Ruddock, 20, captained the Ireland Under-20s to last year’s Six Nations Championship and has been capped at senior level. It is the first full-time deal with Leinster for the Dublin-born player, whose father Mike is the coach of the Under-20 side.

O’Malley has featured in 16 games for Leinster this year, having debuted at Clermont Auvergne’s ground, Stade Marcel Michelin. The former Belvedere College centre started his Leinster career just last season and has impressed this year on a number of occasions when he successfully deputised for the international players.

Ross has seven caps and is now the number one choice for Declan Kidney on the tighthead side, having moved from English side Harlequins in 2009.

“The IRFU’s policy of keeping as many players in Ireland as possible is an important part to helping Irish rugby challenge for success in competitions at all levels,” said Ireland coach Declan Kidney. “The news that Mike has made the decision to carry on his career in Leinster is good news for everybody concerned as he has continued to progress well and is a valued member of the international squad.”