Superstar quartet commit to Irish Rugby for 2027 Rugby World Cup and beyond

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. Finally, Sheehan committed his future to Ireland and Leinster for a further three years until the end of the 2028/29 campaign.

The announcement comes off the back of Ireland's Triple Crown success at Aviva Stadium last weekend as Farrell's side finished second in the Six Nations.

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 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 Six Nations titles with Ireland, including two Grand Slams, and was nominated for the World Rugby Player of the Year in 2023.

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 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 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 onto 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.

"You cannot underestimate the outstanding contributions of these four players to Irish Rugby over many years," said Ireland head coach Andy Farrell.

"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. 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."

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