O’Connell has won 82 caps for Ireland, helping them to Grand Slam glory back in 2009, as well as picking up six British and Irish Lions caps, including being named captain for the last tour to South Africa.

And Ireland head coach Declan Kidney admitted he was delighted with the news that his pack leader will continue to play a starring role for the men in green.

He said: “It is a very strong message when you have a player of Paul's standing opting to continue playing in Ireland with Munster.”

O’Connell will be nearly 35 by the time his new contract runs out, but the lock insists he has no concerns over his ability to manage his conditioning in the latter stages of his career.

He added: “I am feeling really good both mentally and physically, which in part goes down to how well we are looked after here in Ireland.

“So I am looking forward to the remainder of this season and beyond and doing all I can to help make Munster and Ireland as successful as possible.”