Ireland prop Mike Ross has signed a new one-year contract with Leinster

Mike Ross has signed a new one-year contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union which commits him to Leinster until June 2016.

The Ireland prop, 35, made his competitive debut for the province in 2009 and has gone on to make more than 100 appearances, while also winning 44 caps for his country.

Corkman Ross started out with his home province Munster, but made only one appearance in the 2005/06 season, before securing a move to Harlequins. He played 62 times for Quins over four seasons and signed for Leinster a month after he made his Ireland debut in the Churchill Cup against Canada. 

Ross, who has collected two Heineken Cup winners' medals, two Pro12 and a European Challenge Cup winners' medal in his time at Leinster, said: "There is a huge amount of talent in the squad and it is an exciting time to be involved with both Leinster and Ireland.

'Rewarding'

"The next 12 months will be incredibly busy and challenging but also have the potential to be very rewarding too."

Ross also helped Ireland to the 2014 Six Nations Championship and the IRFU's performance director David Nucifora said: "Mike has shown his value at both provincial and national level over the past number of seasons and we are delighted we have secured his services until the end of the 2016 season."

Leinster chief executive Mick Dawson added: "Mike has made a huge contribution to the Leinster environment since joining us in 2009.

"He continues to be an integral member of our squad and is also playing a key role in the development of emerging talent at the club. His performances for club and country this season illustrate his value to Irish rugby."