LUKE FITZGERALD WILL add at least a further 12 months to his Leinster career.
The province today confirmed that the 2008 Lion and Irish International has agreed a new one-year contract with the Heineken Cup champions.
Fitzgerald featured in Leinster’s quarter and semi final wins en route to a third European crown but has endured a torrid run of injuries. The most recent came after the narrow win over Clermont in Bordeaux when it was announced he would need surgery on a neck injury.
In a press release issued today, Leinster coach Joe Schmidt hailed the winger as having played “a major role in Leinster’s recent success.”
In announcing the news, the eastern porvince also confirmed the signatures of lock, Quinn Roux, and utility back, Andrew Goodman.
The latter is a 30-year-old New Zealander who operated as a centre for ITM Cup side, Tasman, a level below Super Rugby. Schmidt believes he can also add cover for Jonathan Sexton and Ian Madigan at fly-half.
Roux, a 6’6″ second row, will arrive to fill the boots of Brad Thorn after the completion of the Super XV season.
“Quinn is a physically imposing forward with a burgeoning reputation in South Africa, “said Schmidt, ”and he will add further competitiveness to the second row alongside Leo Cullen, Damian Browne, Devin Toner and Mark Flanagan as well as our other recent signing Tom Denton.”
