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Rugby

02nd Dec 2014

Munster tie up four Ireland internationals to contract extensions

The IRFU continue their new policy of signing up players before Santa sets off from the North Pole

Patrick McCarry

Two and three-year deals are the order of the day

Munster have signed up Stephen Archer, Dave Foley, Felix Jones and Dave Kilcoyne to contract extensions with the province and the IRFU.

Tight-head prop Stephen Archer has signed a three-year contract while Dave Foley, Felix Jones and Dave Kilcoyne have all penned two-year extensions that will see them remain with the province until at least June 2017.

Three of the four players appeared for Ireland during the Autumn internationals while Stephen Archer will be hoping to his Test caps in next year’s Six Nations. Kilcoyne, Archer and Foley are Munster Academy graduates while Dublin-born Jones signed for the province in 2009.

Felix Jones and Dave Foley 10/5/2014

Commenting on the extensions Munster coach Anthony Foley said, ‘This is a great step forward for us. Securing players of this calibre is always a boost for the club and it shows our commitment to developing home-grown players and talent.

‘These guys have come through the structures and have reached international level with so much more to come, and it’s hugely positive for all involved.’

Munster’s announcement follows recent provincial/IRFU deals for Rory Best and Tommy Bowe (Ulster), Rob Kearney and Johnny Sexton (Leinster), and Connacht’s Darragh Leader and Denis Buckley.

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