The Irish Rugby Football Union has announced contract extensions for Bundee Aki, Dan Sheehan, Jamison Gibson-Park and Josh van der Flier as they look to build towards the Rugby World Cup 2027.
Connacht’s Aki has a one-year contract extension while Leinster duo van der Flier and Gibson-Park have signed two-year deals up until the end of the 2027/28 season. Meanwhile, fellow Leinster man Sheehan has put pen to paper for three years until the end of the 2028/29 campaign.
All four players were a part of last year’s British and Irish Lions Tour to Australia and are in Andy Farrell’s thinking as preparation for a World Cup in Australia begins.
Since making his debut against South Africa in 2017, Aki has won 69 Test caps, most recently coming off the bench in Saturday’s Triple Crown victory over Scotland. He has won three Guinness Men’s Six Nations titles with Ireland, including two Grand Slams, and in 2023 was nominated for the World Rugby Men’s XVs Player of the Year award.
Van der Flier won his 79th Test cap against Scotland and in 2022 was voted the World Rugby 15s Player of the Year.
Gibson-Park won his 50th Ireland cap against Wales earlier in March and 27-year-old Sheehan has established himself as a mainstay for Ireland since his debut against Japan in 2021, winning 39 Ireland caps in that time.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell said: “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.
“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.”
Commenting on the contract extensions, IRFU performance director David Humphreys added: “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.
“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.”
