IRELAND INTERNATIONAL TOMMY O’Donnell has signed a new two-year contract with Munster and the IRFU.
The deal will keep the Tipperary native at his home province until 2016 at least. O’Donnell was named the Munster Rugby Player of the Year for the 2012/13 season, highlighting how important he has become to Rob Penney’s side in recent seasons.
The 26-year-old made his debut for Ireland last summer, appearing against the US and Canada, as well as scoring a try against the latter. However, any potential international involvement this month was ruined by a knee injury in September, from which O’Donnell continues to recover.
Munster expect their powerful flanker to return to full training next month, and his high work-rate and breakdown ability would be particularly useful for the crucial Heineken Cup double-header against Perpignan.
Commenting on the contract announcement, Penney said, “Tommy is a great dynamic player and a huge asset to any side so we are particularly pleased that he has committed to Munster for another two years.”
O’Donnell himself was understandably pleased to extend his time with his home province:
“This is where I want to be and I enjoy playing my rugby here. I know it hasn’t been the best of starts to the season for me with injury, but like last year I just want to come back fighting and push on to the next level again.”
A product of Munster’s academy, O’Donnell has worked diligently over the last six years to make himself a key man after debuting as a 20-year-old in 2007. Supporters of the southern province are understandably keen to see the aggressive back row back on the pitch as soon as possible.
