Munster’s Donnacha Ryan has ended the speculation linking him with a move to France or England by agreeing a new contract with the IRFU.

The Ireland second-row has put pen to paper on a three-year deal that will keep him with Munster until 22017.

Ryan, whose existing deal was due to expire in the summer, was understood to be a target for Perpignan and held talks with the Top 14 club this season with a view to a potential move.

And as recently as last week the new owners of London Irish expressed a desire to bring Ryan to the English Premierhsip.

However, Ryan has now successfully negotiated a new deal with the IRFU with the union “delighted to secure his future in Ireland for the next three years”.

“We are delighted that Donnacha has signed a new IRFU contract which will ensure that he remains a Munster player until the end of the 2017 season,” Munster coach Rob Penney added today. “Donnacha’s quality and versatility will continue to be major asset for the squad as well as the key leadership role he plays both on and off the field.”