The 27-year-old, who has 28 caps for his country, is set line up against England at Croke Park on Saturday in the RBS 6 Nations and joins the likes of midfield partner Brian ODriscoll and fly-half Ronan OGara in re-signing for his province.

He said: I am pleased to have agreed improved terms with the Union and look forward to working hard to assist Leinster and Ireland achieve success over the next three years.

DArcy and ODriscoll have formed arguably the worlds most feared centre pairing in recent years for both club and country.

Irish RFU chief executive Philip Browne was delighted to keep hold of another big name, adding: This is another important contract secured by the IRFU and Leinster Rugby and is part of the IRFU's long-stated policy of keeping our leading players in Ireland.

His decision is another endorsement of the structures in place that are designed to keep our leading players with their provinces and ensure that they are available for the Ireland team.