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IRFU Secures Extensions for Aki, Sheehan, Gibson-Park and Van der Flier

The extensions consolidate a seasoned leadership core to support planning for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Overview

  • The IRFU confirmed a one-year deal for Bundee Aki, two-year extensions for Jamison Gibson-Park and Josh van der Flier through 2027/28, and a three-year agreement for Dan Sheehan through 2028/29.
  • The announcement follows Ireland’s Triple Crown and second-place finish in the Six Nations, positioning the squad for the new Nations Championship this summer.
  • Head coach Andy Farrell praised the quartet’s leadership and called their decisions to stay a significant boost for Ireland.
  • Performance director David Humphreys said the deals enable confident planning toward Rugby World Cup 2027 and reaffirm the union’s focus on retaining top talent.
  • All four are capped regulars who toured with the British & Irish Lions last year, and the commitments quell recent media links abroad for Aki and Gibson-Park.