It is thought that Heaslip has signed an improved deal in the region of €400,000-€500,000 per year with incentives, and Sexton’s deal is likely to be in the region of €350,000-€400,000, including incentives.

O’Driscoll turned 32 a fortnight ago and is thought to have accepted a reduction in his basic package.

There are tax breaks for players remaining in Ireland along with more lucrative commercial opportunities which are thought to have helped value an Irish deal more highly than French valuations for these players.

Declan Kidney must be relieved to see pen on paper ahead of the games beginning for this years Six Nations

At 25 the world’s his oyster and his market value soared after an amazing Lions tour where he scored four tries. Out of contract at the end of the season with Ospreys, interest is growing from Ulster, Leinster and Munster!

That said it looks like the Ospreys will retain Mr Bowe’s services having scored nine tries in nine games for them. A move back to Ireland  give Bowe an IRFU central contract, which would give generous player welfare through to the next World Cup.

Bowe still has strong connections at Ulster, but with two recent Heineken Cup champions interested, that’s got to be tempting hasn’t it?

Three triple crowns in four seasons has led to the extension, and even an agreement that should the Lions coach job come his way in 2009 that he can take the time out to do the job and then come back to Ireland (as it’s believe the Lions men in charge want a full-timer next time around).

O’Sullivan said of his new contract: “I am deeply honoured that the appointments committee of the IRFU should see fit to give me a further extension in my role as national coach at this time.

“I see it as a timely vote of confidence in me and my coaching staff at a critical point when we are about to embark on our World Cup challenge.

“Another four years at the helm further helps me to plan a strategy for the national squad into the long-term future and that is vital if we are to achieve all our shared ambitions for Irish rugby.”

“This is another important contract secured by the IRFU and Leinster Rugby and is part of the IRFU’s long stated policy of keeping our leading players in Ireland,” said Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) chief executive Philip Browne.

“Gordon is an integral part of both the Leinster and Ireland teams and we are delighted that he has followed both Brian O’Driscoll and Ronan O’Gara by agreeing a new contract to remain with his province.

“His decision is another endorsement of the structures in place that are designed to keep our leading players with their provinces and ensure that they are available for the Ireland team.”