Blues also sign loosehead prop Jack Boyle in first senior deal
Leinster's Ryan Baird after his side's Champions Cup semi-final victory against Northampton Saints at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportfile
Ryan Baird will remain a Leinster and Ireland player until the end of the season after the province confirmed he had signed a new contract.
The 24-year-old has played every minute of their march to the Champions Cup final later this month, being involved in all five of Ireland's Six Nations matches as they claimed the title.
Leinster have not confirmed the length of Baird's new contract, but it is likely he will remain at the club until at least 2026.
Leo Cullen, Caelan Doris and Jamison Gibson-Park speak after Leinster's 20-17 Champions Cup semi-final win over Northampton
Max Deegan, meanwhile, could leave for Ulster at the end of the season.
The number 8 has been heavily linked with a move to the Northern Province, who are yet to confirm their coaching ticket for next season.
The 2016 World U-20 Player of the Year has struggled to break into Leinster's Champions Cup team and any move will likely be in search of more international recognition as he looks to build on the two caps he won in 2020 and 2022 won.
Leinster have also signed loosehead prop Jack Boyle on his first senior deal. Boyle had been linked with Ulster and Munster.
The Irish Independent understands the province will not be allowed to recruit a foreign replacement for Michael Ala'alatoa, who is leaving for Clermont.
The province tried to recruit Irish duo Finlay Bealham and Tom O'Toole to switch provinces, but both players opted to stay where they are.