Ireland quartet sign new deals ahead of 2027 Rugby World Cup

Four senior players have signed central contract extensions with Ireland ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Connacht centre Bundee Aki has agreed a one-year deal while scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park and flanker Josh van der Flier have committed to two-year contracts.

Fellow Leinster star Dan Sheehan, a hooker, has signed on for a further three years.

Tuesday's announcement came after Ireland finished the Six Nations with a decisive 43-21 win at home to Scotland last weekend, a victory that secured the Triple Crown as Andy Farrell's men eventually finished runners-up to champions France.

"You cannot underestimate the outstanding contributions of these four players to Irish rugby over many years," said Farrell.

"That they see their futures here is a significant boost, which I have no doubt will delight Ireland supporters around the world," the former England international added.