Rob Kearney agrees one year deal - reports

Decorated Irish fullback Rob Kearney has agreed a new one year deal with the IRFU - according to reports.

Speculation had been rife after last week it was revealed that the British and Irish Lion had felt an IRFU offer for his services care of David Nucifora had been too low.

According to reports in the Irish Daily Mirror Kearney confirmed the new deal this afternoon, putting to bed speculation that he was set to become the latest high profile Irish player to take up an overseas contract.

A playful Instagram post by Sean O'Brien suggested the Louth native was headed to France, which helped spark speculation that the 90 times capped international was on the verge of a shock exit.

Kearney has been almost ever-present in the number 15 jersey with Ireland during the Joe Schmidt era, however he wasn’t selected for Ireland’s Six Nations opener with England based on his form after returning from injury, with Robbie Henshaw selected instead.

The 33-year-old did return for Ireland’s next game against Scotland and retained the jersey for the rest of the Championship, bar his late withdrawal due to injury in the penultimate game against France.