Gordon D'Arcy has signed a new contract with the IRFU but it's not a long term one. The Leinster centre has put pen to paper on a four month contract which will see his playing career end after the Rugby World Cup.
D'Arcy was the most high profile absentee from Leinster's contract renewal list earlier this month. At the time, Leinster confirmed that a decision had yet to be made on D'Arcy's future but that has now been cleared up with the 35 year old available for Joe Schmidt should he be called upon.
It looked like D'Arcy's decorated Ireland career may be at and end after he was cut from the squad for the final Six Nations game against Scotland in March. That may still be the case, however, D'Arcy has left things open to be called up one last time should he be needed.
It is thought that the possibility of making it to one more World Cup was the catalyst for D'Arcy's decision to extend his contract. And if he is called up, next Friday's game against Treviso could be the last time Leinster fans get to see one of their most successful players line out at the RDS.
If Schmidt decides to opt against selecting D'Arcy, he would be a valuable addition for Matt O'Connor's Leinster squad at a time when his options will be limited with players away on international duty.
[Herald]
