Max Deegan is an impressive talent but his future at Leinster has been up for debate in recent days with the end of the season fast approaching.
A report had claimed that the back-row was set to follow the path taken by many before him in leaving Leinster for Ulster in search of more playing time.
Deegan, who plays both blindside flanker and No8, has accrued over 100 appearances since breaking through at the Blues back in 2016 but has struggled for consistent minutes in the jersey.
The emergence of Caelan Doris in recent seasons saw him take a backseat, while Jack Conan's resurgence has further limited his opportunities.
28 October 2023; Max Deegan and Will Connors of Leinster after their side's victory in the United Rugby Championship match between Leinster and Hollywoodbets Sharks at the RDS Arena in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
The decision to move Ryan Baird from the second-row to blindside flanker has provided another obstacle for Deegan, who has consequently lost out in the international reckoning too.
Ulster looked like a good opportunity for Deegan, who would have been sure to increase his minutes at Ravenhill, but that touted move is now off the cards.
Max Deegan Signs New Leinster Contract
The 27-year-old has brought an end to speculation by agreeing a new deal with Leinster that will keep him at the club beyond this summer.
✍️ | 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄: 𝐌𝐚𝐱 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 #FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/igcdmnxH1P
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) May 7, 2024
Leinster have not specified how long the contract that Deegan - who did not feature in their squad against Northampton Saints - has signed will be.
He has made two appearances for Ireland under Andy Farrell, first togging out in the 2020 Six Nations before landing his second cap in the 2022 Autumn Nations Series.
Deegan also captained Emerging Ireland during their successful tour of South Africa in 2022.
Leinster have been busy at the negotiating table, with prop Paddy McCarthy - the brother of second row Joe McCarthy - signing his first senior contract.
✍️ | 𝐌𝐜𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭...
Academy prop Paddy McCarthy has signed his first senior contract with #LeinsterRugby#FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/DqfhthVJin— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) May 7, 2024
Back row stars Baird and Will Connors also penned deals in recent days as they look to add to their minutes in both blue and green.
Tommy O'Brien, Thomas Clarkson and Jack Boyle have also signed on the dotted line to remain with their province.
