Lock Nick Kennedy made his England bow during last month's internationals © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Paul Hodgson | Nick Kennedy | Topsy Ojo

Tournaments/Tours: Heineken Cup | Heineken Cup

Teams: England | London Irish

England internationals Nick Kennedy, Topsy Ojo and Paul Hodgson have all agreed new three-year contracts that will keep them at London Irish until the end of the 2011-12 season.

Lock Kennedy, 27, broke into the England side during the autumn internationals - while Ojo and Hodgson are both looking to force their way back into Martin Johnson's plans. Kennedy, who was out of contract with London Irish at the end of the season, believes the current Premiership leaders have a genuine title shot.

"We have first-class coaches and are playing rugby that is enjoyable to be part of. We are going in the right direction, and I believe we are credible Premiership contenders," said Kennedy. "This was a big decision for me and was one that I didn't take lightly. The club gave me an opportunity to play seven years ago and have looked after me since. It is good to see more and more talented players coming through."

Kennedy made a try-scoring England debut against the Pacific Islanders in the first match of the November campaign and produced an impressive performance on his return to the side against New Zealand.

Winger Ojo, 23, won two caps on the summer tour of New Zealand - while scrum-half Hodgson, 26, made his Test debut off the bench during last season's RBS 6 Nations victory over Ireland. Hodgson, who joined the Exiles from Bristol in 2004, is behind Danny Care, Harry Ellis and Pete Richards in the England pecking order but is confident he can further his international career at London Irish.

"Continuing my career at London Irish is very important to me for two reasons," said Hodgson. "I believe this club can help me fulfil my international ambitions and I'm confident we can win silverware soon."

Ojo, who joined London Irish in 2003, expressed similar sentiments. "All my success is due to the players and coaches at the club, and I'm sure there's more to come," he said.

Player-coach Mike Catt backed all three to kick on and claim more international honours when England manager Martin Johnson names his squad for the Six Nations Championship on January 14.

"They are three massive signings for the club and there is a lot for them all to offer, especially on an international stage. Nick has moved on and won international honours over the last year. His lineout qualities speak for themselves. He has topped the Premiership table in the last two seasons and against New Zealand I thought he was fantastic.

"Topsy has been tremendous again for us this season. He has not been a try-scorer like Sailosi Tagicakibau but the work-rate Topsy puts in he creates tries for everybody else. There is a very good chance if he carries on performing they have got to pick him with Delon Armitage. They combine very well together, understand each other's game.

"Paul Hodgson is massively knocking on the door because they need a nine who can control the game. Danny Care is a fantastic player, you need a nine with that control aspect."

Earlier this month Irish agreed new contracts with three of their forward pack. Prop Faan Rautenbach, lock Kieran Roche and flanker Declan Danaher have all put pen to paper on new deals.

London Irish face second-placed Gloucester at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday.