The 24-year-old will now remain with his provincial side Leinster until the conclusion of the 2007 World Cup as the IRFU pursue their policy of keeping their key players on Irish soil.

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said: We are delighted that Gordon has added his name to the long list of Irish international players who have also pledged their immediate futures to Irish rugby.

It is the on-going determination of the IRFU to keep the leading players at home and manage their welfare so that when they take to the field they are more likely to be in the best possible state.

DArcys decision to stay in Ireland is a major coup for the IRFU as the midfield dangerman has become one of the hottest properties in European rugby.

He made his debut at 19 against Romania during the 1999 World Cup but quickly dropped off the radar after making a disappointing transition to Test rugby.

Conflict with Leinsters hierarchy almost saw him leave the game altogether but he knuckled down and was given his chance to shine during this years RBS 6 Nations.

An injury to skipper Brian ODriscoll saw DArcy given one of Irelands midfield berths against France and he grabbed his opportunity with both hands, replacing veteran centre Kevin Maggs when ODriscoll returned to fitness for the Wales game.

The jet-heeled threequarter, who possesses a wicked sidestep and the ability to wriggle out of tackles, then outshone ODriscoll for the remainder of the RBS 6 Nations and was named player of the tournament.

He proved an instrumental figure as Ireland landed their first Triple Crown since 1985 and he insists he is looking forward to helping Eddie OSullivans men claim further success after agreeing his new deal.

He said: I feel this is an appropriate time to pledge my future to Leinster and Irish rugby given our recent success. I want to help build on those.