The decision was made following an in-depth review process carried out by the IRFU’s National Team Review Group (NTRG).

The IRFU have thanked Kidney for the unquestionable commitment, passion, professionalism and success he has delivered to Irish rugby to date.

The IRFU, through the NTRG, says it will continue the process of identifying suitable candidates for the Ireland coaching role.

The tour of North America, where Ireland will play the USA (Houston, June 8) and Canada (Toronto, June 15) will now be led by interim head coach Les Kiss who will be assisted by Gert Smal and Anthony Foley.

Philip Browne, IRFU CEO, said: "We would like to sincerely thank Declan for his commitment to Irish rugby. His contribution and involvement across the spectrum of Irish rugby delivered under-age, provincial, Grand Slam and Triple Crown success, and epitomises his passion, belief and commitment to the game.

"With a host of new and emerging talent at every level, and despite the clear challenges ahead, we are confident of securing another world class coach to work with this talented and ambitious group of players."

Twenty-three year old Biggar, whose current deal expires at the end of this campaign, will now stay at the Liberty Stadium until at least the end of the 2015/16 season.

Speaking after signing the new contract, Biggar said:

"This is an organisation that has always been very good to me and supported me so it’s great that I can recognise that by committing my future to the region.

"It’s always nice to get things sorted and to be all done and dusted, and now I’ve signed it means I can concentrate on the next few weeks and helping the team to secure a play-off place without any distractions."

A product of the Ospreys’ elite youth development pathway, Biggar gained his early rugby experience with Gorseinon RFC and Gowerton Comprehensive in Swansea, before representing the region at age-grade level and playing for Swansea RFC in the Welsh Premiership.

He made his senior Ospreys debut as an 18-year old, as a late replacement in an EDF Energy Cup semi-final win over Saracens at the Millennium Stadium almost exactly five years ago in March 2008, with his first start coming in an away win over Glasgow in September that year.

Since then he has flourished in the Ospreys environment, his durability and consistency in the number 10 shirt allowing him to reach some considerable landmarks for the region.

In November 2011, less than a month after his 22nd birthday, he overtook James Hook to become the region’s all-time highest points scorer, a record he has since extended to 1,206. Having topped the scoring charts for the last three consecutive seasons he is on course to do so again this time around.

Meanwhile, in April 2012 he became the youngest ever Osprey to reach 100 regional caps, and now stands on 121 appearances.

An age-grade international, he won his first senior Welsh cap in November 2008, against Canada, and now stands on 16 caps having established himself as first choice for Wales over the last two months during their successful Six Nations campaign.

Having been in negotiations regarding his new deal for some months, Biggar admitted to being relieved to have finalised his contract, indicating that the ambition of the region matched his own which had been the deciding factor:

"Some negotiations can be straight forward, others take a little bit more time, but what’s important is that you get it right in the end" he said.

"I think that both parties are very happy with where we are and can really look forward to the future positively. The Ospreys wanted to keep me and I wanted to stay so it’s always been a case of agreeing on a few things. It’s not just financial, there are other things that come into the equation.

"This is a great environment with fantastic facilities and great coaches. It brings the best of you as a player and I consider myself fortunate to have come through this system to represent my home region. That’s very important, as you have to be happy in your environment, wherever you are.

"My aim is to be competing for trophies with the Ospreys every year. I’ve discussed this at length with the coaches and management here, I’ve made that ambition absolutely clear, and I wouldn’t have committed for the next three years if they didn’t share those aims. We know how difficult it is, with the salary cap and things like that, but that doesn’t mean we can’t continue to be successful.

"There are a lot of good players here at the Ospreys. We’ve got experienced, quality senior players and some exciting youngsters coming through and we’ve shown that we can get the right blend to be competitive. There’s no reason why we can’t continue developing from within while competing with the best. I’m excited about what we can potentially achieve as a group."

Andy Lloyd, Rugby Operations Manager at the Ospreys, said:

"The news that Dan has re-signed for another three years is a huge boost for the Ospreys, looking towards the end of season run-in and beyond that to the future of the region.

"It’s a huge statement from the business and credit needs to go those involved who have worked extremely hard to put the business where we are, enabling us to keep such a prime young, local talent.

"To be able to re-sign a young man of his calibre, particularly given how his stock has risen over the last two months on the back of some very accomplished performances in a Wales shirt, is a huge boost for everyone. That he is happy to commit his future to the Ospreys speaks volumes about the environment that we have created here.

"Daniel is an Osprey through and through but he is also a born competitor so its understandable that he didn’t just jump in and sign as although we are his home region he wanted to make sure that we shared the ambitions.

"He epitomises everything we want in an Osprey. He is hard working, committed to the cause and completely dedicated to being the best player he can possibly be. He’s a fantastic goal kicker whose record speaks for itself, but it’s important to stress that he’s not just a kicking machine, he’s got a lot of other talents and he directs our game well.

"I’m sure that he’s going to have a massive future, with the Ospreys and with Wales."

Andrew Hore, Ospreys’ Chief Operations Officer, added:

"It’s fantastic news that we have been able to retain Dan’s services for another three years. It’s important if we truly want to represent the local community that we have young, local talent like Dan wearing the shirt so that children can aspire to follow in their footsteps along the development pathway.

"However, we mustn’t take our ability to keep local players here for granted. We need to continue growing our support base, we need bums on seats, people watching their region, as without increased funding we face the risk of losing players like Dan in the future."

Biggar is the ninth player to have signed a new contract with the Ospreys following on from Richard Fussell, Tom Grabham, Tom Isaacs, Duncan Jones, Rhys Webb, Joe Bearman, Lloyd Peers and James King

The Exeter Chiefs head coach, along with Saracens defence and forwards coach Paul Gustard, will form part of the coaching team assembled by England head coach Stuart Lancaster for the trip to South America in June.

Subject to Aviva Premiership placings, Tavistock-born Baxter will link up with Lancaster and attacking skills coach Mike Catt to prepare for the Killik Cup against the Barbarians at Twickenham on May 26, while Gustard will be available once Saracens’ Premiership and Heineken Cup involvement has ended.

It is – according to the man himself – a "massive honour", but it’s a challenge and experience the 42-year-old is keen to take on having overseen the rise of the Chiefs out of the Championship in 2010. Since then Baxter has been the guiding light as the Devon club made their mark in the Aviva Premiership and Heineken Cup.

"Obviously I am delighted to have been asked to be part of Stuart’s coaching team," he said. "I see it as a fantastic opportunity for me to do what we keep saying to the players here at the club, which is to keep learning; keep doing better and experience new things. For me, this is a fantastic opportunity to experience something different; learn from other coaches such as Stuart, Mike Catt and Paul (Gustard); learn from different experiences and work with some different players.

"As a coaching staff we often talk about how important it is that we work as hard as the players in terms of the things we do. Personally, I see this as a chance to do that, but also a chance to work in a different environment and see what I can bring back to the club."

Since leading the Chiefs into the top flight, Baxter – who figured in excess of 300 league and cup games for Exeter during his playing days – has not been short of creditable suitors around the game. Many have praised his coaching abilities, whilst last season his efforts were rewarded when he collected the Aviva Premiership Director of Rugby accolade.

However, Baxter insists the rise of his team has been down to those working alongside him at Sandy Park. He added: "Yes this is a fantastic opportunity for me personally, but I am also very aware that opportunities like this come along because other people work within the club have worked very hard as well. I’ve said many times that we have a really good set of coaches here, not just on the rugby side, but conditioners, physios and the off-field staff too.

"The way those people work, along with the players, have given me this opportunity simply because of the hard work they’ve all put in. By having good seasons and good performances, the people that are in charge are seen as doing a good job. I don’t think I would get seen quite as well if the team did not perform so well.
In some ways, it’s a nice little reward for those people as well, but as tends to happen when you’re the boss, I am the guy that gets the credit. But from my perspective, I like to thank them all of them for their hard work as this is what creates opportunities like this."

And it is club matters that will keep Baxter fully focused in the build-up to the June tour. He continued: "I am very pleased to have been considered for the position, but what I have to do now is do a good job for Exeter. First and foremost, it’s about putting all this to the back of my mind for now and worrying more about it when the season finishes.

"I certainly won’t be doing too much before then as we have to get through what is a very important set of fixtures for the club. We’ve got some very big games coming up and that has to be my main focus."

With many of England top name stars likely to be needed with the Lions Down Under, the Argentina tour not only offers Baxter a chance to sample life at international level, but also players who will be keen to stake their claim under Lancaster.

"Because of the Lions tour, it will be a slightly different squad of England players going on tour. It will be an opportunity for some to go out and perform for England, so I am hoping that it makes it very exciting for those guys. They will all want to play well, but it’s going to be tough against what will be a very solid Argentina squad. However, I am sure that is how Stuart will want it. He will want a tough environment for his players as ultimately that will be how they improve as a team.

"My role primarily will be to look after the forwards, but what I will need to do is meet up with Stuart and Graham Rowntree and look at things they are working on and what they want to have in place for next year. Obviously part of my role will be to put a bit of a personal stamp on things, but mainly it’s about fitting into what is there already. They’ve just had a successful Six Nations with their current group and it’s very much about maintaining a lot of what they’ve done in that and then looking to improve in other areas."

Baxter’s call-up has been backed by officials at the Chiefs and the coach was quick to praise the support he has received from the board and chief executive, Tony Rowe OBE

"For England to talk to me they had to get permission from the club," explained Baxter. "Throughout, the club and the board have been very supportive. They are very aware it’s a good chance for me to improve as a coach and they’ve given me 100 per cent backing from the outset.

"Sometimes when you look back and see how the club has progressed over the last few years – like playing in the Premiership and the Heineken Cup; like having international players and the opportunity to go on international tours – these are all things we want to progress at the club. We want to be seen as a positive and progressive club and hopefully more of these things will come to our players and our coaches in the future."

Fitzgerald, 25, has played 108 times for the province to date (scoring 26 tries) and was a key member of Leinster’s Magners League (2007/08) and three Heineken Cup successes (in 2009, 2011 and 2012).

He made his debut for Leinster at the age of 19 and the versatile former Blackrock College back featured in Ireland’s recent Six Nations campaign and was selected for the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa. To date he has made 26 international appearances.

Commenting on the news of his contract extension Luke Fitzgerald said: “I’m delighted to commit my future here. It is hugely frustrating to miss the run-in to the campaign but I’m looking forward to beginning my rehab over the coming weeks and getting back in a blue shirt next season.”

Leinster Coach Joe Schmidt added: “We are delighted that a player of Luke’s ability has committed his future to the province. At just 25, his best years are ahead of him and hopefully he’ll be back better than ever early next season.”

Ulster Head Coach, Mark Anscombe, can also call upon Ireland internationals Rory Best and Craig Gilroy who return to the Provincial set-up following the RBS 6 Nations.

The game will see Ulster take on the new leaders of the RaboDirect PRO12.

Ulster are third in the table, level on points with second placed Glasgow and a point behind top-side, Leinster.

Extended Ulster squad to face Leinster in the RaboDirect PRO12, Saturday 30th March, RDS, 18.15;

Forwards (15)

Neil McComb, Callum Black, Rory Best, Robbie Diack, Chris Henry, Dan Tuohy, Lewis Stevenson, Johann Muller, Nick Williams, Rob Herring, Kyle McCall, Ricky Lutton, Tom Court, Iain Henderson, Roger Wilson;

Backs (10)

Ruan Pienaar, Jared Payne, Craig Gilroy, Paul Marshall, Peter Nelson, Michael Heaney, Paddy Jackson, Stuart Olding, Darren Cave, Andrew Trimble.

All match tickets purchased for the original date are valid for this game and gates will open at 5pm.

The deal means he’ll be at Scotstoun Stadium until at least May 2015.

The tight-head prop, who made his Scotland debut against Italy in last year’s Six Nations championship, has made 70 appearances for the Warriors since joining them from amateur club, GHA in 2008.

The 26-year-old was called up to the Scotland squad for this year’s Six Nations championship and last month played for Scotland A in their win over England.

Jon Welsh said: “I am very happy to have committed my future to the Warriors and I am looking forward to playing my part in bringing success to this club.

“It has been a frustrating season for me having missed several months through injury, but now that I’m back to full match fitness I am looking forward to being involved in the remaining games this season.

“We have a really strong squad, who all work hard for each other and the facilities at Scotstoun are excellent, so this was a really easy decision for me to make.”

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: “This is excellent news for the club and it will give our squad a big boost ahead of some hugely important games.

“Jon worked hard during his injury lay-off to build up his strength and has been putting in the hours in recent weeks to get back to full fitness. He is respected by both coaches and players and is a key part of our future.

“Jon has shown that players from the club game can make the jump to professional rugby and he should be an example to others looking to make the breakthrough.

“We’re delighted to keep him at Scotstoun for the next couple of years and he will undoubtedly have a big role to play.”

Allen, who is 22, joined the Hughes Insurance Ulster Academy in 2009 and made his senior debut against Leinster in 2011 at the RDS. He was awarded a one-year development contract last summer.

This season he has made 13 appearances for Ulster, scoring two tries.

Commenting on his new deal, Allen said:

“Signing a senior contract with Ulster has been an ambition of mine ever since I joined the Academy, so I am delighted to have fulfilled that goal.

“I have enjoyed being part of the set-up and playing so many games this season. Ulster is my home Province, it’s where I grew up and it’s where my friends and family live, so it means a great deal to wear the shirt.

“I look forward to helping Ulster be successful over the next two years.”

Wasps welcome table toppers Saracens to Adams Park this weekend aiming to bounce back from a last second heart-breaking defeat to Northampton Saints last time out.

Young conceded that a positive result last weekend would have given his side an unlikely win, but added that plenty of hard work this week will prepare his side well for the leading side in the league.

“We were out muscled last weekend and you can’t say that Northampton hadn’t done enough to win it. But we showed our ability to play some really high quality rugby to get back into it and we had our noses in front going into last few minutes. We couldn’t quite hold onto the field position we needed to win it, but after a rocky start we did get stuck in with a great crowd behind us.”

Young said that the hard work this weekend will start up front.

“We have had a tough time of it in specific areas up front in the last few games and teams are starting to target us. The boys were very disappointed with that in our review this week and we’re working incredibly hard to get that right because we know if we do we have a chance of winning any game with the kind of ability we have in attack when we get good ball”

He also praised the form of Saracens of late.

“They are going very well and are showing as well a real willingness to play wider. But we know as well they will be incredibly physical so the battle will start for us up front.”