Ireland have their eyes fixed on the 2027 World Cup in Australia. On Tuesday, the Irish federation announced extensions for four mainstays of the team: Jamison Gibson-Park, Bundee Aki, Dan Sheehan and Josh van der Flier.

Coveted by numerous clubs, French outfits among them, the four players will stay loyal to their national side to play in, at the very least, the World Cup. Gibson-Park and van der Flier have extended by two seasons, Sheehan by three and Aki by one.

“You cannot underestimate the exceptional contribution these four players have made to Irish rugby over many years. The fact that they see their future here is a real boost, one which I am certain will delight Irish supporters all over the world“, said Andy Farrell, the Ireland head coach.