MORE GOOD NEWS for Leinster fans emerged today as it was announced that three players have signed new contracts that will keep them at the province.

Irish international Mike Ross has agreed a new contract with the IRFU that will keep him with Leinster up to the end of the 2013 season. Since making his international debut against Canada in 2009 he has won seven caps, recently forging a new front row partnership with Cian Healy in what is a dramatically improved Irish scrum.

“It’s been an enjoyable couple of months for me,” said Ross, who moved to Leinster from Harlequins in 2009.

Since coming back to Ireland, Leinster really has become my home and hopefully I can continue to maintain my performance levels to help keep the team successful and also keep me in the frame for selection for the Ireland team.

Leinster coach Joe Schmidt said he was delighted that Ross had committed his future to the province and that he believed the 31-year-old still had plenty left to give.

Mike has really come into his own at provincial level and more recently at national level and we are confident that his best years are still ahead of him.

Elsewhere, Rhys Ruddock and Eoin O’Malley have signed new one- and two-year deals respectively. Centre O’Malley has featured regularly this season, making his Heineken Cup debut away to Clermont Auvergne. Former Ireland Under-20 captain Ruddock has also made an impact, not looking out of place in the back row alongside the likes of Heaslip, O’Brien and Jennings.

“We are delighted that two more products of the Leinster under-age and Academy systems have signed new deals,” said Joe Schmidt. “Both Eoin and Rhys have made an impact with their performances in the Magners League and Heineken Cup so far this year.”