RORY BEST SAYS he is hopeful that there will be news on his contract in the “very near future,” with the Six Nations now just 10 days away.
Best’s IRFU contract is set to expire at the end of the current season, but it is expected that the Ireland captain will have his deal with the union extended through until the conclusion of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Th 35-year-old had injury issues earlier this season but is now fully fit again and was pleased to come through three consecutive games for Ulster in recent weeks.
“I feel pretty good at the minute, getting those three games in a row has been important for me to show myself that I’m still capable and still enjoy playing at that level,” said Best.
“Look, that [his contract] has all been good and hopefully we’ll get something sorted out in the very near future.”
Given Best’s ongoing importance as Ireland’s leader and clear first-choice hooker, an announcement would be welcome news for Joe Schmidt and the rest of Irish rugby.
Though Best has shown strong form on an individual level in recent weeks, he and his Ulster team-mates have suffered deep disappointment with their failure to advance into the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup after defeat away to Wasps.
That loss meant Best, Rob Herring, Iain Henderson and Jacob Stockdale arrived into Ireland camp on Sunday having left their province on a negative note.
In contrast, the Leinster, Munster and Connacht contingents all came in on the back of securing European quarter-finals, and Best is keen for Ireland to carry some of that momentum into the Six Nations.
“I think when you look at it and you go, ‘three teams with home quarter-finals and going into the last round Ulster had a chance to win a game to get a quarter-final and get a bonus point to get a home quarter-final’ – it would have been unprecedented.
“In that top level of clubs, I think the Irish provinces are doing really, really strongly. The important thing for us is that we take that bit of form from Europe and that bit of momentum you get from winning games.
“But, ultimately, you park all the provincial stuff and you get together as a national side.
“That’s the important thing – that sort of momentum created by home quarter-finals and putting yourself in position for that is only useful if we can channel it in the direction of the national team.”
First up for Ireland is a trip to Paris to face France, who have a new coach in Jacques Brunel and a number of fresh faces in their playing group too.
While les Bleus have been deeply disappointing in Test rugby for some time now, Best is wary of their home advantage on 3 February.
“Going to the Stade de France, it’s a really tough place to go and play and Irish teams, we haven’t had a lot of success historically there,” said Best.
“It’s a great place to play in terms of atmosphere and stadium, but it’s also a very nice place for them to play. So that added to all the talent they have makes it a very, very tough prospect for us.”
- This article was updated at 8.01am to correct ‘Ulster’ to ‘Connacht’ in the ninth paragraph and ’23 February’ to ’3 February’ in the 15th paragraph.
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Give the man whatever contract he wants. None of the other hookers are on his level (yet). Niall Scannell will get there im sure, but whos to say if he does by next year, and while Cronin has incredible moments, he is not as well rounded as best.
@Rudiger McMonihan: Cronin is quite round. ;-)
@Rudiger McMonihan: if. Robin worked on his line out she would be there nearly
@Ollie Watson: he
@Ollie Watson: you’ve had a mare there lad
@Ollie Watson: Robin?
Sweet deal for an auld lad.
@thesaltyurchin: look at the state of Hartley.. I’d say he pinches himself at the fact he’s still captain.. a complete charlatan! All the better for us!
@Marcodub: Whatever about his temperament or what we think about him, hes been very good for England.
@Cian O Donoghue: Hartley is the Trump of English Rugby
@Marty: What?
@ Murray there was me thinking that Connacht made a European 1/4 final…. I see you’ve noted that Ulster did instead ;0)
@Kieran Campbell: The fact that it was worded as “in contrast” means it was a typo and the writer intended to write connacht. Try not to get your panties in a bunch
@Rudiger McMonihan:
The smiley indicates the observation was tongue in cheek, rather than twisting of any undergarments..
However it is still a valid point, we should expect certain professional journalistic standards regardless of the author / outlet
And Donncha Ryan is too old apparently, even tho his form has been consistently better or at worst on a par with Bests now for about 2 years?
@Eddiemac:
You miss the point completely
One is vital to the team and the other was not
@Mark Smith: Donncha Ryan’s darts aren’t great though. Racing did well to land a 2nd row/Hooker of that calibre.
@Eddiemac: Almost a year on and we’re stilling getting the Donnacha Ryan stuff. Move on.
@Martin Quinn: And again you’re criticising the person. Cop onto yourself
Typical anti munster bias.
Have i missed the news of Henderson’s new contract? Otherwise the lack of reporting on the fact that possibly our best available 2nd row still hasn’t signed up is baffling! Even on an article about his Ulster team mate it’s not alluded to!
@Elton Heffernan: Yes but it’s more important to here about the next Lunster player that may or may not make the squad.
@Christiaan Theron: Jeez Christian suck another lemon why don’t you?
Very disappointed that my comment on Rory Best MBE has been removed. Totally unnecessary censorship.
I thought it fair comment on the captain of a so called Irish team who is also a British Empire award holder.
@Con Murphy: With a bit of luck may all your comments be censored you dinosaur.