Chris Whitaker only started five games for Australia

The 31-year-old NSW Waratahs skipper retired from international rugby last season and planned to finish his playing days overseas.

"We are delighted that Chris will play his rugby with Leinster," said coach Michael Cheika.

"Several top European teams were keen to sign him but after visiting us he was extremely keen to come here."

Whitaker won 31 caps for Australia, 26 from the bench, as he continually covered for skipper George Gregan.

He led the Waratahs to the Super 12 final last season. He is at present in his 10th consective season in the competition.

Whitaker has an English passport which allows Leinster to field two foreign players in the Heineken Cup.

He is a former Randwick team-mate of Cheika and his assistant David Knox.

"Chris is a high quality player and will fit in perfectly with the atmosphere we are building at Leinster," said Cheika.

"He has a wealth of international experience and is a natural leader having led the Waratahs to a Super 12 final last year and again in the inaugural Super 14 competition this year."

Whitaker will join three other scrum-halves at Leinster with Guy Easterby, who is set to sign a one-year extension, Brian O'Riordan and Brian O'Meara looking to contest the number nine jersey.