The Irish Rugby Football Union and Munster Rugby are delighted to confirm that out-half Ronan O'Gara has signed a new four-year contract with Munster and Ireland.

It means that he will continue to play in Ireland until the end of the 2010/11 season, the same period as recently committed to by the Leinster and Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll.

The agreements with O'Driscoll and O'Gara are part of the ongoing contractual negotiations by the IRFU, led by Director of Human Resources Maurice Dowling, with Irish international and provincial players.

Commenting on the news, IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne said: "We are delighted to quickly follow up the news of Brian O'Driscoll's commitment to Irish rugby by agreeing a similar contract to 2011 with Ronan O'Gara and also to reiterate that the on-going policy of the IRFU is to have all our leading players on home soil, competing with their respective provincial teams and being available for the Ireland team.

"To that end, the IRFU is delighted that Ronan O'Gara has now committed himself to Munster and Ireland for the next four seasons."

...O'Gara goes for goal for Munster in the Heineken Cup...

O'Gara himself said: "I am delighted to commit to Munster and Ireland for the next four years as I feel there is a special bond between this group of players. The support and loyalty of the Munster supporters was obviously a big factor in reaching my decision. I really look forward to working towards further success with Munster and to Ireland reaching new goals on the international scene."

Munster Chief Executive Garrett Fitzgerald added: "Obviously I am delighted that the negotiations have been concluded and I am particularly pleased that this new deal will see Ronan remain in Irish rugby for at least the next four years. I believe it says a lot about the structure and confidence there is in the game in this country that a player of Ronan's calibre is happy to continue his career here."

Munster coach Declan Kidney commented: "It's really great news that Ronan and the IRFU have agreed terms that keep Ronan in Munster and Irish rugby for the foreseeable future."

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