Leinster rugby stars James Ryan and Josh van der Flier have signed contract extensions with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU). The dynamic duo, both crucial members of Leinster’s dominant squad, have committed their futures to the IRFU until 2023. This news will come as a huge relief to Leinster fans who would have been apprehensive about losing two of their top talents. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the details of their contract extensions and what it means for both Leinster and Irish rugby.
Leinster Rugby stars James Ryan and Josh van der Flier have extended their contracts with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU). Ryan has signed up until 2024/25, while van der Flier has put pen to paper until 2026. Ryan, who has been capped 53 times at Test level, is experiencing a strong run of form and played every minute in this year’s Six Nations, which saw Ireland secure Grand Slam success. At club level, Ryan has represented Leinster 71 times, winning one Champions Cup (2018) and four league titles (2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021). Van der Flier won his 50th international cap in March’s Grand Slam decider against England, having first debuted against the same country during the 2016 Six Nations. The 29-year-old has made 125 appearances for his province, scoring 25 tries, and has won a Heineken Champions Cup (2018) as well as four league titles (2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021). He was also named EPCR European Player of the Year in 2022. IRFU performance director David Nucifora praised both players, saying “James has established himself as a world-class lock and is developing as a strong leader,” while van der Flier’s “dedication, work ethic, and professionalism” have seen him rise to “Key contributor to the nation team’s success.”
In the competitive world of rugby, Leinster Rugby has secured a major victory with Ryan and Van der Flier signing IRFU contract extensions. These two players are among the best in their positions and their performances have been crucial in Leinster’s success. With their contracts extended, fans can look forward to seeing them lead the team to even greater heights in the upcoming seasons. This announcement is a testament to Leinster’s commitment to their players and their desire to remain at the top of the game. We can’t wait to see what Ryan and Van der Flier will achieve in the future, as they continue to hone their skills and deliver exceptional performances on the field.
