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IRFU put together monster deal to keep Tadhg Furlong - reports

By Ian Cameron
Tadhg Furlong (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) are putting together a massive deal in a bid to keep Tadhg Furlong it has been reported.

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Considered by some to be the best tighthead in the world, Furlong’s stock soared after a series of huge performances for the national side, most notably in Ireland’s victory over the All Blacks in 2016, and during the summer on the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand.

According to a report by SportJoe.ie the IRFU are to offer him between €400,000 to €450,000, a huge increase on the provincial contract he signed with Leinster in 2014.

After flyhalves, elite tightheads can be one of the most lucrative positions for professional rugby players. Ireland relatively modest depth at tighthead will have put an even greater premium on Furlong’s potential earnings.

The new deal for Furlong would put him out of sight of the €260,000 that was offered for Munster backrow CJ Stander, who, along with Peter O’Mahony – is still yet to put pen to paper on a new deal.

Last week Montpellier reportedly tabled a massive offer for the services of Stander.

A source has told RugbyPass that Stander has been offered in the region of €600,000 per annum to move to the Top14 giants, a figure that far exceeds his IRFU offer, which is reported to be in the region of €260,000.

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The Irish tax system allows rugby players and other sports people tax relief at a rate of a 40 per cent deduction of your gross earnings based on your income arising in the year of retirement and the preceding 14 years of assessment, provided you were resident in Ireland and end your career in Europe.

Pressure has been heaped on the IRFU in recent months, as negotiations for the services of Stander and Peter O’Mahony appeared to have hit a roadblock.

The two backrows are among Munster’s most prized assets, yet the IRFU has so far failed to lock down contracts with the pair, an issue which has made national headlines in Ireland.

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mitch 3 hours ago
The Wallabies team Joe Schmidt must pick to win back Bledisloe Cup

Rodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.

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