Four key Ireland players sign new deals with IRFU

Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell says that he has been handed a ‘significant boost’ after four key players, Bundee Aki, Dan Sheehan, Jamison Gibson-Park and Josh van der Flier, all signed new deals with the IRFU.

Connacht’s Aki, who had been linked with a move to Gallagher PREM, has signed a new one-year contract extension,

Van der Flier and Gibson-Park have put pen to paper on two-year deals and Leinster teammate Sheehan has signed on for three more years.

It is another welcome boost for Farrell ahead of the World Cup next year and comes days after Ireland’s Triple Crown success after beating Scotland in Dublin.

Farrell was quick to hail their contributions to the Six Nations, which saw Ireland come within seconds of being crowned champions until Thomas Ramos’ last-gasp penalty secured the title for France

“You cannot underestimate the outstanding contributions of these four players to Irish Rugby over many years. That they see their futures here is a significant boost, which I have no doubt will delight Ireland supporters around the world,” said Farrell.

“They are all key leaders who put their bodies on the line time and time again in reaching the highest standards on the field. All four players are a pleasure to work with and have played key roles throughout the recent Guinness Men’s Six Nations.

“In congratulating Bundee, Jamison, Dan and Josh on their new contracts, we look forward to seeing them progress in Ireland in the months and years to come,” said Farrell.

Until being suspended for most of the Six Nations, Aki has been an influential figure in Ireland’s midfield, winning 69 Test caps and three Guinness Men’s Six Nations titles with Ireland, including two Grand Slams.

Van der Flier won his 79th Test cap in green at the weekend, and the 2022 World Rugby 15s Player of the Year remains a key part of Farrell’s side.

Scrum-half Gibson-Park, who was linked with a move to France, won his 50th Ireland cap against Wales earlier this month, and Sheehan, who has established himself as one of the game’s leading players and try-scoring threats, has won 39 Ireland caps.

IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys believes that the extensions will give Ireland the confidence to plan for the World Cup in Australia.

“I am delighted to announce that Bundee, Jamison, Dan and Josh have agreed to extend their contracts in Ireland. They are outstanding professionals who continue to deliver at the highest levels for their provinces and their country,” the former Ireland fly-half said.

“Today’s announcement is a positive one for Irish supporters coming off the back of a successful Guinness Men’s Six Nations and building into an exciting conclusion to the URC and European campaigns.

“It also enables us to plan with confidence towards Rugby World Cup 2027 and beyond. That four key performers see their playing futures in Ireland is a strong endorsement of their ambition, allied to the competitive environments, high calibre of coaching, medical support and improving facilities across the provinces. These re-signings also reaffirm the IRFU’s commitment to attracting and retaining top-class talent.”