LAST UPDATE | 11 Apr 2023

LEINSTER FORWARDS JAMES Ryan and Josh van der Flier will remain in Ireland for the foreseeable future after signing new IRFU contracts.

Second row Ryan has extended his deal until the end of the 2024/25 season, while reigning World Player of the Year Van der Flier has signed an IRFU extension to his existing Leinster deal and will stay put until 2026.

Ryan, who has been capped 53 times at Test level, is enjoying a strong run of form and played every minute in this year’s Six Nations as Andy Farrell’s Ireland squad stormed to Grand Slam success.

The 26-year-old made his international debut against the USA in 2017 and has become a central figure in the Ireland leadership group, captaining the side seven times – including against Italy earlier this year.

At club level, Ryan has represented Leinster 71 times, winning one Champions Cup (2018) and four league titles (2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021). 

“The ambition of Leinster and Ireland to improve each day and win trophies is one of the reasons why it is so enjoyable to be part of these squads,” Ryan said.

“There is also a great camaraderie and competitive edge in both squads. I have also been fortunate to captain my country over the past couple of seasons which has been an incredibly proud moment for me and my family.”

IRFU performance director David Nucifora added: ”James has established himself as a world class lock and is developing as a strong leader within the national squad and with his province.

“He has achieved a lot already in his career but at just 26 years of age he continues to develop his game and will be a force for Ireland and Leinster for years to come.”  

Van der Flier won his 50th international cap in March’s Grand Slam decider against England, having debuted against the same country during the 2016 Six Nations.

That same year, Van der Flier played a part in Ireland’s first ever victory over New Zealand in Chicago.

More recently, Van der Flier like Ryan played every minute of the 2023 Slam and, in all, he has started in 19 or Ireland’s last 21 tests, including all three on last summer’s tour of New Zealand.

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.

“It is a privilege to be a part of two incredible rugby environments,” Van der Flier said. “I am very grateful to the coaches at both Leinster and Ireland who have helped me to develop my game over the years. I appreciate that I get to go to work each day with some of my best friends, doing something that I love and I am thankful for the incredible support of my wife and family who have been with me for every step of this journey so far.”

Nucifora added: “Josh’s journey to the top of the international game has not been straightforward but his dedication, work ethic and professionalism have driven him to deliver a consistency of performance that has elevated him to World Player of the Year and a key contributor to the nation team’s success in recent seasons.”

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Written by Ciarán Kennedy and posted on the42.ie