Irish Rugby : Provincial Rugby : News : Jones And Varley Commit To Munster

IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne has issued a statement following confirmation of Ronan O'Gara's decision to retire from playing professional rugby.

IRFU provincial and national age grade coaches - Under-18s, Under-19s and Under-20s - and IRFU elite player development staff from the four provinces gathered recently to review their experiences, discuss challenges and align closer to ensure the development of more effective elite players across the IRFU Elite Player Pathway.

The IRFU today announced a new one-year contract with Brian O'Driscoll which will see him remain available to play for Ireland and Leinster until the end of June 2014.

Both Felix Jones and Damien Varley have signed on for a further two seasons which will see them continuing to play for Munster until at least the end of the 2014/15 campaign.

Versatile back Jones is currently rehabbing after minor knee surgery, while hooker Varley will travel today to Wales with the squad where he is set to win his 90th Munster cap against the Llanelli side on Saturday night.

Jones, who has not played since the conclusion of the Heineken Cup pool stages, is expected to be back in action towards the end of this month or early March.