Ireland superstars Bundee Aki, Josh van der Flier, Jamison Gibson-Park and Dan Sheehan have signed contract extensions with the IRFU, securing their services for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has revealed that discussions over his long-term role with the IRFU are approaching, as he enters the final year of his contract following a successful Six Nations campaign.
England hooker Jamie George was gutted in the wake of their 82nd-minute 48-46 defeat to France in Paris in the final match of the thrilling 2026 Six Nations.
France eventually edged England 48-46 via a last-gasp penalty in a Six Nations finale for the ages in Paris on Saturday night.
Ireland showed their class to pull away and eventually seal a 43-21 victory against Scotland in Dublin that ended the visitors hopes of clinching a Six Nations title.
Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada has made three changes to the side that stunned England as the Azzurri prepare for their final match of the Six Nations against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.