Irish rugby fans rejoice because we've just been given an early Christmas present in the form of a new three year contract for Sean O'Brien.
The likes of Simon Zebo and Ian Madigan have been strongly linked with moves to France but O'Brien wasn't completely distancing himself from the possibility of a move away from Leinster. Admitting that a move abroad is 'attractive' O'Brien had us a little bit worried that if an extension was not sorted out sharpish, his departure could be something to really turn things into full blown crisis mode.
Thankfully, it's not happening as the IRFU have confirmed that he has signed a new contract to keep him with Leinster through to the Rugby World Cup in 2019.
Speaking about the new contract today, O'Brien was up front with his desire to stick around with his home province, presumably in spite of offers from elsewhere.
Growing up as a young lad in Tullow it was always my ambition to play for Leinster Rugby and Ireland, so you never take moments like this for granted.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to sign with a team that I feel is going in the right direction under Leo and the rest of the coaching staff. I think we have a hugely talented group of players and coaches at provincial and national level and it is something that I want to be a part of.
We won't go as far as saying it's a Christmas miracle but it's certainly some very welcome news amid all the doom and gloom.
