Leinster centre Gordon D'Arcy has followed in the footsteps of his Ireland colleague Brian O'Driscoll by committing his long-term future to the province.

D'Arcy, whose current deal was due to expire at the end of this year's World Cup, has signed a new deal with the IRFU that will keep the 27-year-old at Donnybrook until 2010.

D'Arcy and O'Driscoll have formed arguably the world's most feared centre pairing in recent years for both club and country. Their Ireland teammate Ronan O'Gara also recently extended his IRFU contract.

D'Arcy, who has 28 Ireland caps and is due to line up against England at Croke Park on Saturday, said: "I am pleased to have agreed improved terms with the Union and look forward to working hard to assist Leinster and Ireland achieve success over the next three years."

"This is another important contract secured by the IRFU and Leinster," added IRFU chief executive Philip Browne, "and is part of the IRFU's long-stated policy of keeping our leading players in Ireland.

"His decision is another endorsement of the structures in place that are designed to keep our leading players with their provinces and ensure that they are available for the Ireland team."

Meanwhile, Ulster today announced that Scotland winger Simon Danielli will join the province next season on a two-year deal.

Danielli, will join Mark McCall's side from the Borders where he has played since the start of the 2004-05 season having previously played at Bath and Bristol

Danielli, who has represented England at U21 and Students level,  has won 13 Scotland caps but has not figured in this year's Six Nations championship.

"We are very pleased to be able to sign a player of Simon's quality and proven pedigree," McCall said. "Although he is a very experienced player having represented Scotland, Bath and the Borders, at only 27 years of age we feel he
still has his best years ahead of him and we are confident we will see them at Ravenhill"