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Thursday

15:00

United Rugby Championship

Tadgh Furlong to stay in Ireland with new IRFU deal

By Ian Cameron

2 hours ago

Ireland captain Tadhg Furlong, centre, in conversation with teammates during the Bank of Ireland Nations Series match between Ireland and Fiji at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. (Photo By Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Tadhg Furlong has committed his future to Irish rugby by signing a two-year contract extension with the IRFU, keeping him with Ireland and Leinster until the end of the 2026/27 season.

The tighthead prop had been linked with a move to French rugby but will remain a key figure for Ireland as the squad builds towards Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia. The IRFU described Furlong’s decision as an ‘invaluable’ boost for both the national team and Leinster in a statement released this morning.

Furlong, 31, has been a mainstay of the Ireland pack since making his international debut against Wales in 2015. He has earned 78 caps, helping Ireland win three Guinness Men’s Six Nations titles.

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As well as Ireland he has starred for the British and Irish Lions, featuring prominently in the 2017 and 2021 tours. His performances across provincial, national, and international levels have seen him named in the World Rugby Dream Team for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023.

“To get the chance to continue my playing career in Ireland with my home province is a dream come true,” said Furlong. “I am delighted to extend my long association with both Leinster Rugby and the IRFU for the seasons to come. Since the beginning of my career I have aimed to contribute positively in a winning environment and I believe that there are bright times to come for club and country.”

Furlong has played 149 matches for Leinster since his senior debut in 2013, winning four Pro12/Pro14 titles and the European Champions Cup.

IRFU Performance Director, David Humphreys, commented: “Tadhg is a world-class tighthead whose influence transcends his abilities on the field. Since breaking into the Leinster and Ireland set-ups he has set a new standard as a prop and his hunger to improve and perform at a consistently high level sets him apart.

“Today’s announcement underpins the IRFU’s commitment to retaining top talent and in ensuring that the best Irish players will continue to play at home. I would like to wish Tadhg well in the years to come.”

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Comments on RugbyPass

Barry 14 minutes ago

'It doesn’t make sense for New Zealand to deny itself access to world-class players'

I'd say there's a reason JB's financials aren't public. Likely all his overheads are covered for him. Beyond shelter, transport and feeding himself, Leinster can basically cover his tax for him too. At the very least he'd be banking his entire salary.

If Leinster do the business in Europe, expect to see plenty more ABs play in Ireland from Nov- May.

143 Go to comments

J V 1 hour ago

Leicester, Leinster, Bordeaux record round two Champions Cup wins

I think it's hard to grasp the effect of long lasting fatigue following a super packed season. The Springboks have won a world cup, then SA clubs did ok in club competitions right after and then the boks had a great 2024 year. Fatigue have to come in at some point. Yes the trips are an issue but I really think for the sake of the SA (and Argentinian, who have a similar schedule) players, a deal should be found to let them have more rest every year.

Many criticized France for resting their best players in the summer, at the cost of the attractivity of the series, but the answer to the current debate about the Champion cup might be partly found in this type of management.

4 Go to comments

fl 3 hours ago

‘The problem with this year’s Champions Cup? Too many English clubs’

Yes the URC only has a 1/3 stake in the competition. You could have googled that.

And you're not suggesting an equal share. 5/20 isn't a third.

I've suggested a solution in the comments on this article for how to allocate places. The solution is 1/4 of places for the Prem, 1/4 of places for the top 14, 1/4 of places for the URC, 1/4 of places for the best performing teams in the champions and challenge cup last year to not have already qualified via their league.

another solution would be to do what they do with the champions league in football, where places are allocated per league on the basis of UEFA association club coefficients.

and yes I was talking about English teams generally but the teams 6-8 in particular. Last year they significantly outperformed the teams who finished 6-8 in the URC and top 14.

20 Go to comments

Tom 3 hours ago

Rob Baxter drops scary admission after Toulouse rip Exeter asunder

I wouldn't write off Baxter yet. He's been one of the top coaches for a long time, with the modest budget Exeter have I doubt they'll find someone better and Baxter has such a connection having been there as a player. Exeter lost the core of their team in the same season, that is tough to bounce back from. Other teams spend their way to the top where Exeter have focused on building a squad of homegrown talent and that won't happen overnight. I fully expect them to back Baxter - he has earned that trust. He took them from a Championship side to winning the double. That is nothing short of phenomenal and Exeter won't forget that in a hurry. I'm sure the club execs fully understand that Baxter is looking to build a new core of young players to take the club back to the top for another generation. There will be more hard times to come but they'll get there.

4 Go to comments

JW 4 hours ago

'It doesn’t make sense for New Zealand to deny itself access to world-class players'

Good player who gets a bad wrap because he has a lot of weight on his shoulders try to carry that team.

They should be a little better this year so perhaps he'll get a chance to shine.

143 Go to comments

AH 4 hours ago

Northampton beat Bulls in Champions Cup despite George Furbank injury blow