Joey Carbery signs senior contract with Leinster

Ireland international Joey Carberry has penned his first senior contract with Pro 12 club Leinster.

The 6ft fly-half made his debut for Ireland during their historic victory over New Zealand in November last year and has made three appearances for Joe Schmidt's team since then.

The Auckland born 21-year-old has been part of the Leinster Rugby Academy and is among the seven players to sign a fresh deal with the RDS Arena outfit along with Ross Byrne, Nick McCarthy, Rory O'Loughlin, Andrew Porter, James Ryan and Paedar Timmins.

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen had high praises for the club's Academy in producing talented players, who have made huge stride in their career.

"We invest a huge amount of time and resources into our academy system in Leinster and we very much see these players and this model as the future of this club," Cullen told leinsterrugby.ie.

"I am excited by the challenge that lies ahead of them as they look to kick on in their careers.

"From Nick playing against Toulon in the Champions Cup in the Aviva Stadium, to Joey playing his part in the historic victory over New Zealand in Chicago, to Peadar making his first senior start at the weekend, to James captaining Ireland to their place in an Under-20s World Cup Final... t hey have taken it all in their stride."