Key Ireland quartet sign contract extensions
Bundee Aki, Dan Sheehan, Jamison Gibson-Park and Josh van der Flier have signed contract extensions with Ireland following the conclusion of the team's Triple Crown-winning Six Nations campaign. Connacht centre Aki, who missed most of the Six Nations through suspension, has signed a one-year extension until 2027. Josh van der Flier and Gibson-Park have extended until the end of the 2027-28 seasons while their Leinster team-mate Dan Sheehan has committed his future until 2029.
Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) performance director David Humphreys says tying the four British and Irish Lions down to new deals "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," added Humphreys. "These re-signings also reaffirm the IRFU's commitment to attracting and retaining top-class talent.
" 'You know that I love this! ' - Farrell on Ireland future Aki has been an influential figure in the Irish squad since making his debut in 2017 after qualifying through the residency rule. He has won 69 caps for Ireland, three Six Nations titles and in 2023 was nominated for the World Rugby Player of the Year award.
The 35-year-old missed the first three games of the Six Nations after receiving a four-game suspension for "verbal abuse and disrespect" towards match officials following Connacht's loss to Leinster earlier this year. Van der Flier, 32, who was the 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year, has committed his future after recapturing his best form during the Six Nations. Gibson-Park, who won his 50th Ireland cap against Wales earlier this month, has also signed on until 2028.
The 34-year-old scrum-half enjoyed an excellent Six Nations and was player of the match in Ireland's thumping 42-21 win over England at Twickenham last month. Sheehan, meanwhile, has emerged as one of Ireland's most consistent players since debuting at Test level in 2021. The 27-year-old has scored 18 tries in 39 caps and captained Ireland in last year's Triple Crown-sealing win over Wales in Caelan Doris' absence.