Jamie Heaslip Signs New IRFU Contract
The IRFU and Leinster Rugby have announced that Jamie Heaslip has signed a new IRFU contract which will see him play his rugby in Ireland until the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Jamie Heaslip made his Ireland debut in the 61-17 win over the Pacific Islanders in November 2006, becoming the 1000th player to be capped for Ireland in the process.
The 33-year-old has won 93 caps for Ireland, scoring 13 tries, and has started 36 of Ireland’s last 41 Test matches.
His most recent international appearance was on Saturday when he captained Ireland to a 63-10 victory over Italy in the 2017 RBS 6 Nations Championship.
The Naas man made his senior debut for Leinster against the Ospreys in March 2005 and has since made 227 appearances for his native province, scoring 38 tries.
A two-time tourist with the British & Irish Lions (2009 and 2013 – five Test appearances), he has won three RBS 6 Nations Championship titles (2009 Grand Slam, 2014 and 2015) with Ireland and three Heineken Cups, an Amlin Challenge Cup and three PRO12 titles with Leinster.
Jamie was shortlisted for the World Rugby Player of the Year Award in both 2009 and 2016 and also collected the World Rugby Try of the Year award in 2016.
IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora said: “Jamie continues to illustrate why he is one of the top performers in international rugby. He is a leader for both his country and province and delivers a high level of performance every time he pulls on the green or blue jersey.”
Commenting on the new contract, Jamie Heaslip said: “I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to continue to represent Leinster and Ireland. My aim when I started my professional rugby career was to leave the jersey – either the blue of Leinster or the green of Ireland – in a better place than when I first put it on and this new contract gives me the chance to continue to chase this dream.
“As with each and every professional rugby player we don’t do this alone, and so I would like to thank my wife Sheena for supporting me always and all the coaches, fellow rugby players and supporters who have helped me live my boyhood dream of going to work daily with a rugby ball in my hand.”
Leinster Rugby CEO Mick Dawson added: “Jamie has been a crucial part of Leinster and Irish Rugby for the last decade and I am delighted that he has committed his long -term future to the province.
“As a captain, as a vice-captain, as a player, he sets the standard for others to follow and he is an inspiration to the younger players coming through the sub-Academy and Academy at Leinster.
“Since his debut for the province nearly 12 years ago, he has been a central figure and we look forward to further success with Jamie in the blue of Leinster and the green of Ireland.”