Aki, Sheehan, Gibson-Park and van der Flier Sign New IRFU Contracts

Connacht’s Aki has signed a new one-year contract extension, Leinster duo van der Flier and Gibson-Park have put pen to paper on two-year deals up until the end of the 2027/28 season and Sheehan has committed his future to Ireland and Leinster for a further three years until the end of the 2028/29 campaign.

Today’s announcement comes off the back of Ireland’s Triple Crown success at Aviva Stadium last weekend as Farrell’s side finished second in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations and the commitment of four experienced players – all of whom were part of last year’s British and Irish Lions Tour to Australia – is a major boost for Ireland heading into the inaugural Nations Championship this summer, and looking further beyond to 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia next year.

Since making his debut against South Africa in 2017, Aki has been an influential figure in Ireland’s midfield, winning 69 Test caps in green, most recently coming off the bench in Saturday’s victory over Scotland.

Aki 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 in green at the weekend, with his performances throughout the Championship campaign underlining his enduring worth in Ireland’s back row.

The 2022 World Rugby 15s Player of the Year remains a key part of Farrell’s side and will continue playing his rugby with Ireland and Leinster until the end of the 2027/28 campaign.

Gibson-Park, meanwhile, was one of Ireland’s outstanding performers throughout the Guinness Men’s Six Nations, most notably at Twickenham where his Player of the Match performance inspired Farrell’s side to a memorable bonus point win.

The scrum-half won his 50th Ireland cap against Wales earlier this month and news of his commitment to Ireland and Leinster for a further two years is a major boost.

27-year-old Sheehan has established himself as one of the game’s leading players since breaking on to the international scene against Japan in 2021, winning 39 Ireland caps in that time.

On Saturday, the hooker scored his 15th Six Nations try in green and Sheehan is a central figure in Ireland’s pack.

Commenting on the contract extensions, IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys said: “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.”

Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell added: “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.”