Ireland prop Mike Ross has given Leinster a huge boost ahead of their Heineken Cup quarter-final by agreeing a new deal with the IRFU which will see him remain at the province until the end of the 2013 season.
Ross made the move to Dublin from Harlequins in 2009 and has made twelve European appearances for Leinster in that time.
The seven-times capped tight-head featured for Ireland in this year's RBS 6 Nations and is now delighted to have agreed a new deal.
"It's been an enjoyable couple of months for me and I am delighted to be able to have my new contract agreed and to remain playing for Leinster," he said.
"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, "Mike has been a consistent performer for Leinster this season and we are delighted that he has committed his future to the province.
"A popular member of our squad and a formidable scrummager, 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."