Four Munstermen stay loyal

The Irish Rugby Football Union and Munster Rugby have announced that Paul O'Connell, Denis Leamy, David Wallace and John Hayes have all agreed terms for new contracts to remain playing their club rugby in Ireland with Munster.

The Irish Rugby Football Union and Munster Rugby have announced that Paul O'Connell, Denis Leamy, David Wallace and John Hayes have all agreed terms for new contracts to remain playing their club rugby in Ireland with Munster.

Munster Captain Paul O'Connell and team mate Denis Leamy, who has just returned to action following a shoulder injury, have both agreed to play in the red of Munster until the end of the 2011-12 season.

John Hayes, who is Ireland and Munster's most-capped prop of all time, and David Wallace, who won his 50th cap for his country in the weekend's game against Argentina, will also both remain with their home province, but only until the end of the 2009-10 season.

IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne”These new contracts indicate the continued desire of the IRFU to keep as many of our top professional players within the provincial structures,” said IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne.

“The news that four players of this calibre and standing in the world game have committed themselves to continue their careers in Ireland is a testament to the positive playing environment that has been put in place for them.”