RORY BEST, WHO last weekend became just the third player to captain Ireland to a Grand Slam, has extended his contract with the IRFU until the end of the 2019 World Cup.
The Ulster hooker was out of contract at the end of this season but has agreed a new deal which will see him continue to play a key role in Joe Schmidt’s side over the next 18 months.
Now one of the most successful captains in Irish rugby history, Best became just the second player, along with Rob Kearney, to win two Grand Slam titles.
Under the 35-year-old’s stewardship, Ireland have recorded a first win over the Springboks on South African soil, defeated the All Blacks in Chicago and, on Saturday, augmented a third Six Nations crown in five years with a clean sweep of wins.
“I am in a very privileged position as captain of Ireland and Ulster to be involved with two groups of incredibly talented players,” Best said.
“I feel I can continue to make a contribution to both Ireland and Ulster Rugby and am delighted to have extended my IRFU contract to the next World Cup.
“Support of family, friends and supporters is a hugely important element for any professional sportsperson and I would like to thank everyone for their support, but specifically my wife Jodie who has been incredible and has ensured that as a family we have been able to share in all the great memories of the last few years.”
Best made his international debut against New Zealand in 2005 and as well as representing his country 111 times, has toured with the Lions in 2013 and 2017 and has made 204 appearances for Ulster.
“Rory has been an outstanding leader for Ireland and continues to produce stand-out performances at the highest level of the game,” IRFU performance director, David Nucifora, commented.
“He is an important member of the Ireland leadership group and we are delighted that he will continue to play a central role in Irish Rugby.”
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Lions need to fight fire with fire and deploy their own 6/2 bombsquad, add power to the midfield with Aki, and add flair to the back 3.
1. Vunipola
2. Cowan Dickie
3. Furlong
4. Itoje
5. Alun Wyn Jones
6. Beirne
7. Curry
8. Faletau
9. Murray
10. Farrell
11. Rees Zammit
12. Aki
13. Henshaw
14. Adams
15. Williams
16. Wyn Jones 17. Owens 18. Sinckler 19. Lawes 20. Henderson 21. Conan 22. Price 23. Daly
(Team given Wyn Jones is fit and Sinckler isn’t banned)
@Bruce Lee: lions need to keep the ball in Play, speed up their attack, stop boxkick and stop running straight into an organised defence that’s ready and waiting to smash them again see speed up attack.
@Chris Mc:
I think you are asking them to play rugby…. Which is a good idea…
I think Aki in back line could actually allow them to trust getting the ball to 13 and outside channels.
If you don’t get these SA running they will beat you in the arm wrestle
@Bruce Lee: Murray and Farrell will not cut it. Speed and creativity are required. That’s Price and Russell.
@Cowboy Paddy: as silly as that sounds yes to beat SA just play rugby. Measuring willies trying to smash through a SA organised defence is daft. Run, pass and take on soft shoulders with the odd offload, grubber past them and keep the pace of the game at an uncomfortable level for them.
@Bruce Lee: need to change number 1 and 2 jack done nothing wrong id also have henderson in ashead off the captain but that will never happen = WG
@Bruce Lee: AWJ shouldn’t even be on the bench, Farrell has had his chance, would start with Russell, Hamish deserves a shot too. Bundy against DA would be great. Surprised he hasn’t featured given its the king of ‘bish bosh’ who’s calling the shots.