Out-half Jack Crowley has ended speculation around his future by signing a new two-year deal with Munster to remain at the province until 2027.
The 25-year-old had been offered a lucrative deal with Leicester Tigers and after slipping behind Sam Prendergast in the international pecking order, was thought to be considering his options.
Earlier this month RTÉ Rugby analyst Donal Lenihan said he hoped the IRFU wouldn't take the player for granted after there had been "a sort of a derisory extra few bob thrown into the can" during the contract discussions, but Munster today confirmed a deal had been reached.
It's not a national IRFU contract, but believed to be a PONI (player of national interest]) deal, which allows the IRFU to offer additional funding on top of the provincial contract.
Crowley has scored 305 points in 65 appearances for Munster since making his senior debut against Ulster in the 2020/21 season.
The Innishannon man started seven consecutive games for Ireland during the victorious 2024 Six Nations campaign and summer tour to South Africa.
He lost the 10 jersey to Prendergast during the Autumn Series, with the Leinster man remaining first choice for the recent Six Nations campaign that saw Ireland finish third overall.
Prendergast started four games at out-half, while Crowley did so in the final game against Italy, while also featuring four times off the bench.
He was won 24 international caps since making his Test debut against Fiji in 2022.
Crowley has been courted by Leicester, with the Tigers ready to spend big as they scramble to replace Handre Pollard, who is returning to South Africa this summer.
A figure of just over €700,000 (£600,000) per year has been floated in the English press.
Last week the out-half insisted "nothing is confirmed" with regards to the negotiations, at a time when performances on the pitch have soared.
He has claimed back-to-back player of the match awards in Munster's latest victories, the interprovincial victory over Connacht in Castlebar and last Saturday’s gripping win away to La Rochelle where his drop-goal proved ultimately the difference between the sides in Champions Cup Round of 16 contest.
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