The IRFU has moved swiftly to secure the futures of four of Ireland’s most influential players, announcing contract extensions for Bundee Aki, Dan Sheehan, Jamison Gibson-Park and Josh van der Flier on St Patrick’s Day as Andy Farrell builds towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

The announcement, made on Tuesday, comes days after Ireland sealed a fourth Triple Crown in five years with victory over Scotland at the Aviva Stadium, and provides a major boost as the IRFU simultaneously pursues Farrell’s own long-term future.

Key points

• Four Ireland internationals sign new IRFU contracts on St Patrick’s Day
• Dan Sheehan commits until 2029; Gibson-Park and van der Flier until 2028; Aki extends by one year
• All four were part of last year’s British and Irish Lions tour to Australia
• James Lowe remains the notable absentee from contract announcements

Staving off external interest

The signings carry added significance given the speculation that had surrounded several of the quartet in recent months. Gibson-Park had been linked with a move to France, while Aki — who missed the first three rounds of this year’s Six Nations through suspension following a verbal altercation with match officials during Connacht’s loss to Leinster — had been associated with a switch to the Gallagher Premiership.

Four key players all locked in. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/F3219LjtoC

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 17, 2026

Gibson-Park’s two-year commitment is arguably the headline piece of business. The 34-year-old scrum-half was one of Ireland’s standout performers throughout this year’s championship, earning the player of the match award in the memorable 42-21 bonus-point win over England at Twickenham. He reached his 50th international cap against Wales earlier this month, and Leinster head coach Leo Cullen had already publicly expressed his desire to see the deal concluded.

Sheehan locks in for the long term

Sheehan’s three-year commitment secures one of the game’s most dynamic hookers through to 2029, covering two World Cups. The 27-year-old has scored 18 tries in 39 appearances for Ireland since his debut against Japan in 2021 — a remarkable return for a hooker — and captained the side in Caelan Doris’ absence during the Triple Crown-clinching win over Wales last year. He scored his 15th Six Nations try at the weekend against Scotland.

Van der Flier and Aki complete the quartet

Van der Flier, the 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year, won his 79th cap against Scotland and remains central to Ireland’s back-row plans at 32. His performances throughout this year’s Six Nations underlined his enduring value in the green jersey.

Aki, meanwhile, has been an influential figure in Ireland’s midfield since making his debut against South Africa in 2017. The 35-year-old has won 69 caps, claimed three Six Nations titles including two Grand Slams, and was nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year in 2023. He came off the bench in Saturday’s 43-21 victory over Scotland.

What they said

Head coach Andy Farrell described the commitments as a significant boost for Irish rugby.

“You cannot underestimate the outstanding contributions of these four players to Irish rugby over many years,” Farrell said. “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 Six Nations.”

IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys emphasised how the deals enable long-term planning.

“Today’s announcement is a positive one for Irish supporters coming off the back of a successful Six Nations and building into an exciting conclusion to the URC and European campaigns,” Humphreys said. “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.”

What’s next?

Attention now turns to two significant pieces of unfinished business. Farrell himself is contracted only through to the 2027 World Cup and has been linked with both Saracens and England. The IRFU is expected to offer a package extending to the 2029 Lions tour, with Farrell indicating over the weekend that discussions are imminent.

Wing James Lowe remains the notable absentee from Ireland’s contract news. The 33-year-old was among the trio of overseas-qualified veterans reportedly offered to clubs in France and England ahead of this season, but unlike Aki and Gibson-Park, he has not yet signed a new deal. Lowe is currently sidelined with a groin injury sustained against England and is expected to miss Leinster’s Champions Cup round-of-16 clash with Edinburgh.

Cullen expressed hope that Lowe’s situation would be resolved soon, though he acknowledged frustration at the delay in concluding business this season.

Ireland finished second in the Six Nations after France’s Thomas Ramos kicked a late penalty to seal the title for Les Bleus, and will now turn their attention to the inaugural Nations Championship this summer before the World Cup in Australia next year.

Craig Casey will captain Ireland for the first time when Paul O’Connell’s side face Georgia and Portugal in July, with 11 uncapped players named in a 32-man squad for the summer tour.

• Craig Casey becomes Ireland’s 112th captain since 1875
• 11 uncapped players included in touring party
• 15 established internationals away with British & Irish Lions
• First-ever senior international against Portugal on 12 July
• Sixth meeting with Georgia, ranked 11th in the world
• Training camp begins 23 June before departure to Tbilisi on 2 July

The Munster scrum-half, who has 18 caps, leads a youthful squad with interim head coach O’Connell taking charge while Andy Farrell and Simon Easterby are with the British & Irish Lions in Australia. The absence of 15 frontline players has created unprecedented opportunities for emerging talent.

Our Summer Tour squad captained by Craig Casey! 🟢#TeamOfUs

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 4, 2025

Tom Ahern, Michael Milne, Shayne Bolton, Nathan Doak, Ben Murphy and Tommy O’Brien have previous experience in the senior setup but remain uncapped. Alex Kendellen, Darragh Murray, Paddy McCarthy, Stephen Smyth and Hugh Gavin receive their first senior call-ups after impressing at provincial level and with Emerging Ireland during their South Africa tour in September.

Ulster contribute seven players across the squad and training panel, highlighting the province’s strong production line. The uncapped Nathan Doak, a 22-year-old scrum-half regarded as one of Irish rugby’s brightest prospects, headlines the Ulster contingent alongside established internationals Tom O’Toole, Tom Stewart, Cormac Izuchukwu, Nick Timoney, Jacob Stockdale and veteran centre Stuart McCloskey.

At fly-half, Jack Crowley and Sam Prendergast, both omitted from Lions selection despite strong Six Nations campaigns, are expected to compete for the starting position. Crowley’s 24 caps give him experience, while Prendergast’s emergence as a genuine international talent makes their battle particularly intriguing.

Finlay Bealham, with 51 caps, is the squad’s most experienced player, emphasising the youthful nature of the touring party. At 32, McCloskey is one of only two players over 30 in the squad, alongside Bealham.

Several notable absences tell their own story. Iain Henderson and Rob Herring were not considered after returning from long-term injuries, with O’Connell prioritising their full pre-season programmes. Robbie Henshaw is unavailable due to injury, further opening doors for younger players.

“I believe we have a strong blend of youth and experience for what will be a trip into relatively uncharted territories this July,” said O’Connell. “With 15 players away with The British & Irish Lions, this tour presents an opportunity for those on the fringes to impress the coaching team.”

Georgia, ranked 11th in the world under experienced coach Richard Cockerill, will provide Ireland’s sixth meeting with the Lelos. The former Leicester and England forwards coach has built on Georgia’s traditional forward strength while developing an increasingly dangerous backline, making them formidable opposition for O’Connell’s experimental side.

Portugal, ranked 18th globally, will face Ireland for the first time at senior level in what promises to be a historic encounter. The Portuguese impressed during the 2023 World Cup with their attacking flair under coach Simon Mannix, whom O’Connell knows from their time together at Munster.

“Georgia have made great strides in recent years and have made significant investment in their rugby programme which has established them amongst the leading emerging sides in international rugby,” O’Connell noted.
“Portugal showcased their attacking prowess during the Rugby World Cup 2023 and Simon Mannix is a coach I know having worked with him previously. They play with confidence and we’re expecting another tough test.”

Casey’s appointment as captain marks a significant moment for the 26-year-old, who has established himself as a reliable international performer. O’Connell described him as “a real leader with a strong personality” and emphasised that captaincy represents “a huge personal honour for him and an opportunity that I know he will relish.”

The tour represents a crucial opportunity for squad development ahead of the 2027 World Cup. For players like Crowley and Prendergast, strong performances could establish them as genuine alternatives to Lions selections. For the uncapped contingent, impressive displays could fast-track them into autumn international squads.

Ulster trio James McNabney, Jude Postlethwaite and Zac Ward have been included as training panellists, suggesting O’Connell’s planning extends beyond these two fixtures. All three have impressed at provincial level and their involvement hints at longer-term development strategies.

“A number of players have been really close to selection in recent times and it’s important that everyone grasps the challenge that’s ahead of them,” O’Connell emphasised. “Every moment on the training field and across the two-match series will count and there’s a great opportunity for players to step up and impress.”

The squad departs for Tbilisi on 2 July, with the match day squad for the Georgia test announced on 3 July. Both fixtures will test Ireland’s emerging talent in unfamiliar environments, potentially shaping the landscape of Irish rugby for years to come.

Ireland Men’s Squad – Summer Tour 2025
Player/Club/Province/Caps

Forwards (18):

Tom Ahern (Shannon/Munster)*
Ryan Baird (Dublin University/Leinster)(27)
Finlay Bealham (Corinthians/Connacht)(51)
Jack Boyle (UCD/Leinster)(2)
Thomas Clarkson (Dublin University/Leinster)(6)
Gavin Coombes (Young Munster/Munster)(2)
Max Deegan (Lansdowne/Leinster)(2)
Cormac Izuchukwu (Ballynahinch/Ulster)(1)
Alex Kendellen (UCC/Munster)*
Gus McCarthy (UCD/Leinster)(4)
Paddy McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)*
Michael Milne (UCD/Munster)*
Darragh Murray (Buccaneers/Connacht)*
Tom O’Toole (Ballynahinch/Ulster)(16)
Cian Prendergast (UCD/Connacht)(4)
Stephen Smyth (Old Wesley/Leinster)*
Tom Stewart (Ballynahinch/Ulster)(2)
Nick Timoney (Banbridge/Ulster)(3)

Backs (14):

Shayne Bolton (Connacht)*
Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster)(captain)(18)
Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster)(24)
Nathan Doak (Banbridge/Ulster)*
Ciaran Frawley (UCD/Leinster)(8)
Hugh Gavin (Galwegians/Connacht)*
Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster)(19)
Ben Murphy (Clontarf/Connacht)*
Calvin Nash (Young Munster/Munster)(10)
Jimmy O’Brien (Naas/Leinster)(8)
Tommy O’Brien (UCD/Leinster)*
Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster)(7)
Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)(8)
Jacob Stockdale (Lurgan/Ulster)(38)

Training Panellists:

James McNabney (City of Armagh/Ulster)*
Jude Postlethwaite (City of Armagh/Ulster)*
Zac Ward (Ballynahinch/Ulster)*

Connacht Rugby have confirmed the appointment of Stuart Lancaster as head coach on a two-year contract. The 55-year-old former England boss replaces Pete Wilkins, who stepped down in April following the province’s Challenge Cup exit.

• Stuart Lancaster appointed Connacht head coach on two-year contract
• Former England and Leinster coach replaces Pete Wilkins who resigned in April
• Lancaster left Racing 92 in February after 18-month tenure
• New coaching team includes Rod Seib (attack) and Billy Millard (GM Performance)
• Appointment coincides with Connacht’s move to new High-Performance Centre

Lancaster was most recently head coach of Racing 92 but was dismissed in February after 18 months in charge. The French club struggled domestically and failed to reach the Champions Cup knockout stages under his leadership, finishing second from bottom in their pool.

Connacht Rugby and @IrishRugby are delighted to announce the appointment of Stuart Lancaster as the club's new Head Coach.

Welcome to Connacht, Stuart! 💚https://t.co/bZRssBAh8S pic.twitter.com/vIo1jtevty

— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) June 3, 2025

The Cumbrian enjoyed considerable success during seven years as senior coach at Leinster between 2016 and 2023, working under Leo Cullen. He helped guide the province to four consecutive PRO14 titles and four Champions Cup finals, including victory in 2018. Before joining Leinster, Lancaster spent four years as England head coach from 2012 to 2015, leading the team to four consecutive Six Nations runner-up finishes before departing after England became the first host nation to exit a World Cup before the knockout stages.

Lancaster had been interviewed for the Australia head coach position but lost out to Les Kiss. His appointment at Connacht represents a swift return to frontline coaching and will see him take responsibility for defensive systems alongside his head coach duties.

“I’m hugely excited to be joining Connacht Rugby and begin this new chapter of my life in the West of Ireland,” Lancaster said. “Connacht is a club with a proud identity, a passionate supporter base, and enormous potential both on and off the field.”

The appointment forms part of a comprehensive coaching restructure at the Galway-based province. Rod Seib has been appointed as attack coach, whilst Billy Millard joins as General Manager of Performance. They will work alongside existing coaches Colm Tucker (scrum and contact) and John Muldoon (lineout and maul). Lancaster replaces Scott Fardy in the defensive coaching role after the former Australia international departed at season’s end.

Connacht CEO Willie Ruane described the appointment as a significant coup. “Stuart is one of the most respected coaches in world rugby and we are absolutely thrilled to appoint someone of his calibre,” he said. “He has a proven track record in developing young talent, building a high-performance environment, and delivering success.”

IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys added: “Stuart is a hugely talented coach with a proven track record in developing young talent and delivering high-performing teams. This appointment will be a huge boost to the game in Ireland.”

Connacht endured a difficult 2024-25 season, finishing 13th in the 16-team United Rugby Championship to miss out on play-off qualification and Champions Cup rugby for next season. The province’s inconsistent form ultimately cost Wilkins his position despite showing promise in previous campaigns.

Lancaster will begin his role in July ahead of pre-season training and will be formally presented to supporters next month. The appointment coincides with Connacht’s recent move to their new High-Performance Centre and the upcoming completion of Dexcom Stadium redevelopment, as the club prepares to celebrate its 140th anniversary in December.