Six Nations: Brian O'Driscoll signs new contract with Ireland

Brian O'Driscoll is one of three players to have signed new contracts with the Irish Rugby Football Union.

The Ireland captain is joined by Leinster team-mates Jamie Heaslip and Jonathan Sexton in agreeing new deals that will see their careers continue in Dublin.

The new terms will carry O'Driscoll through until 2013, suggesting he will continue playing Test rugby after this year's World Cup. The 32-year-old, has stated he sees no reason to consider retirement while he can still compete at the highest level.

It raises the possibility that the decorated centre could bow out of rugby during the 2013 Lions tour to Australia. O'Driscoll said: "My appetite to achieve more with Leinster and Ireland certainly has not been dampened by our recent success. While I have been in Leinster over 11 years, it is great to see the next generation coming through.

"I'm looking forward to the start of the Six Nations and after that I can focus on those other long-term goals with Ireland and Leinster over the next two years."

The IRFU will be relieved fly-half Sexton and No 8 Heaslip have committed to new deals following reports they were being pursued by French clubs.

The pair have emerged as key performers for Ireland and to lose them to the Top 14 would have sent out the wrong message from the IRFU, who retain far greater control over players based domestically. Sexton has agreed to stay with Leinster until 2013, Heaslip up until 2014.

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IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne said: "This is exceptionally good news for Ireland and Leinster. I believe they have made the right choice for all concerned and would like to express my delight at each of them for making this commitment.

"They have shown that their desire to continue their careers in Ireland and play for Leinster was the strongest factor in making their decision.

While being equally delighted at both Jamie and Jonathan's decision to sign new contracts, I feel I do need to make a special mention about Brian O'Driscoll."He has shown unwavering professionalism and commitment to Ireland and Leinster in his career and is the perfect example to all young players."

Italy coach Nick Mallett has handed Benetton Treviso's Kristopher Burton the number ten shirt for tomorrow's Six Nations opener against Ireland at Rome's Flaminio Stadium.

The Australia-born fly-half replaces Craig Gower, who is out for the entire tournament with a knee injury, while Burton's club team-mate Alessandro Zanni will replace veteran Mauro Bergamasco at number seven. Bergamasco is also out of the Six Nations with a shoulder problem.

Mallett has also handed Benetton Treviso scrum-half Edoardo Gori a place in his starting XV. The 20-year-old impressed against Fiji last autumn when the Azzurri won 24-16. Italy are also bolstered by the return from injury of captain Sergio Parisse.

Italy side

v Ireland at Stadio Flaminio, Rome, tomorrow, 6.30pm

15 L MClean (Treviso)

14 A Masi (Racing Metro)

13 G Canale (C'mont Auvergne)

12 A Sgarbi (Treviso)

11 M Bergamasco (Racing Metro)

10 K Burton (Treviso)

9 E Gori (Treviso)

1 S Perugini (Aironi)

2 L Ghiraldini (Treviso)

3 M Castrogiovanni (Leicester)

4 S Dellape (Racing Metro)

5 Q Geldenhuys (Aironi)

6 J Sole (Aironi)

7 A Zanni (Treviso)

8 S Parisse (S Francais) capt

Subs

F Ongaro, A Lo Cicero, CDel Fava, V Bernabo, P Canavosio, L Orquera, G Garcia.

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