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The contracting pandemic appears to be officially over at the IRFU as they have convinced Tadhg Furlong, the world-class Ireland and Leinster tighthead, to sign a three-year contract extension through to summer 2025 just months after he curiously agreed to just a one-year deal for the 2021/22 season.
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It was just six months ago, on May 10 to be precise, that the IRFU finally announced they had agreed that one-year extension with Furlong, ending fears that the lack of post-pandemic cash could have resulted in one of their greatest talents of the modern era quitting Leinster and switching to an overseas club to properly cash in on his market value.
Furlong had been sidelined for quite a long time with an injury before making his return for the 2021 Six Nations. He has since gone on to be the starting Lions tighthead for their three-game series versus the Springboks and is just fresh from helping Ireland to a successful Autumn Nations Series where they defeated Japan, the All Blacks and Argentina.
“November was a really positive block for the Ireland squad and it was great to have supporters back in the stadium,” said Furlong in a quote via an IRFU media statement where the prop bizarrely made no reference at all to his new deal. “Ireland and Leinster have started the season well and both squads will be aiming for silverware again this season.”
IRFU performance director David Nucifora did add: “Tadhg has again illustrated his pedigree as one of the best tightheads in world rugby. His performances for Ireland and the British and Irish Lions in the past year have been top drawer and we are delighted that he has extended his contract to the end of the 2024/25 season.”
It's officially going to be all over for the much-celebrated ex-Ireland full-back after this Saturday at Twickenham. Well played @KearneyRob 🙌#Baabaas #KillikCuphttps://t.co/KqT84uSy6a
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 24, 2021
Furlong’s appearance versus the Japanese was the 29-year-old 50th cap for Ireland having made a debut in the lead-up to the 2015 World Cup. He has also played 116 times for Leinster. When Furlong signed his long-delayed one-year extension in May, Nucifora said at the time: “Tadhg was a long time out of the game.
“But he showed upon his return what a positive influence he can be for both Ireland and Leinster. He has grown as a senior voice in the Ireland squad and his recent performances reminded everyone why he is rated as one of the best tightheads in world rugby.”
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