Leinster and Ireland secure Ryan Baird’s services on a new deal as Ulster hone in on Max Deegan
Ryan Baird will remain a Leinster and Ireland player beyond the end of this season after the province confirmed he’d signed a new deal.
The 24-year-old has played every minute of their march to the Champions Cup final later this month, while he was involved in all five of Ireland’s Six Nations games as they claimed the title.
Leinster did not confirm the length of Baird’s new deal, but it’s likely to keep him at the club until 2026 at least.
Max Deegan, meanwhile, could be about to depart for Ulster at the end of this season.
The No 8 has been heavily linked with a move to the Northern province who have yet to confirm their coaching ticket for next season.
The 2016 World U-20 player of the year has struggled to break into Leinster’s Champions Cup side and any move is likely to be in search of greater international recognition, as he looks to build on the two caps he won in 2020 and 2022.
Leinster have also signed loosehead prop Jack Boyle on to his first senior deal. Boyle had been linked with Ulster and Munster.
The Irish Independent understands the province will not be permitted to recruit an overseas replacement for Clermont-bound Michael Ala’alatoa.
The province did attempt to recruit Ireland pair Finlay Bealham and Tom O’Toole to switch provinces, but both players opted to stay where they are.
Get ahead of the day with the morning headlines at 7.30am and Fionnán Sheahan’s exclusive take on the day’s news every afternoon, with our free daily newsletter.