Ireland captain Best signs new contract

Ulster Rugby has announced that Ulster and Ireland captain Rory Best has signed an IRFU contract extension, to run until the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Best, who took over the Ireland captaincy in 2016 ahead of the 6 Nations Championship, has won 111 caps for his country, making him Ireland’s third most capped player.

Under his stewardship, Ireland recorded their first win over the Springbok son South African soil as well as recording a first ever victory over New Zealand in Chicago in November 2016.

On St. Patrick’s Day, Best secured a fourth 6 Nations title and second Grand Slam title having played in the successful 2009, 2014, 2015 and 2018 campaigns.

He made his international debut against New Zealand in 2005 and has scored 9 international tries, as well as touring with the British & Irish Lions in 2013 and 2017.

Brought up through the ranks of Banbridge RFC, Best made his senior debut for Ulster against Munster in November 2004, before making his national debut the following year against New Zealand. He has scored 9 international tries to date, and has toured with the British & Irish Lions in 2013 and 2017.

BREAKING NEWS | Ulster and Ireland captain @RoryBest2 has extended his IRFU contract until the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup

Full details ?? https://t.co/y0cad0IH5G#SUFTUM pic.twitter.com/eiHv5EadYN

— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) March 20, 2018

Best has represented his Province 204 times, scoring 21 tries. The hooker was reappointed Ulster captain at the beginning of this season, having first held the honour from 2007 to 2011.

Commenting on his new contract, Best said:

“I am in a very privileged position as captain of Ireland and Ulster to be involved with two groups of incredibly talented players. I feel I can continue to make a contribution to both Ireland and Ulster Rugby and am delighted to have extended my IRFU contract to the next World Cup.”

“Support of family, friends and supporters is a hugely important element for any professional sportsperson and I would like to thank everyone for their support, but specifically my wife Jodie who has been incredible and has ensured that as a family we have been able to share in all the great memories of the last few years.”

Bryn Cunningham, Operations Director at Ulster Rugby, added:

“Rory will go down as one of the most successful Ireland captains in history. To have that sort of leadership and experience in our squad, both on and off the pitch, is critical. We are a squad in transition and Rory will provide that stability and assuredness, while being a role model to our young players coming through, showing what it means to play for Ulster and the high standards we expect from all.”

IRFU, Performance Director, David Nucifora, commented:

“Rory has been an outstanding leader for Ireland and continues to produce stand-out performances at the highest level of the game. He is an important member of the Ireland leadership group and we are delighted that he will continue to play a central role in Irish Rugby.”

Breaking News: @RoryBest2 signs IRFU contract extension to the end of the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.

He has captained Ireland to a 1st win over the Springboks in South Africa, a 1st win against New Zealand and to the Grand Slam on Saturday.#ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/1MT5tSeDfn

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 20, 2018

Rory Best and Joe Schmidt reflect on Grand Slam success