LAST UPDATE | 16 Dec 2024
THE IRFU HAS announced that Tadhg Furlong and Andrew Porter have signed contract extensions with Ireland and Leinster which will run until the end of the 2026/27 season.
Three-time Six Nations winner Furlong made his Ireland debut against Wales in 2015, and has made 78 international appearances. The Wexford man has represented Leinster 149 times, winning four Pro12/Pro14 titles and the European Champions Cup.
“To get the chance to continue my playing career in Ireland with my home province is a dream come true,” he said following the announcement.
“I am delighted to extend my long association with both Leinster Rugby and the IRFU for the seasons to come. Since the beginning of my career I have aimed to contribute positively in a winning environment and I believe that there are bright times to come for club and country.”
We're delighted to announce that Tadhg Furlong has signed a two-year contract extension with Ireland and Leinster Rugby until the end of the 2026/27 season! ✍️#TeamOfUs
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) December 16, 2024
IRFU Performance Director, David Humphreys, added of Furlong’s retention:
“Tadhg is a world-class tighthead whose influence transcends his abilities on the field. Since breaking into the Leinster and Ireland set-ups he has set a new standard as a prop and his hunger to improve and perform at a consistently high level sets him apart.
“Today’s announcement underpins the IRFU’s commitment to retaining top talent and in ensuring that the best Irish players will continue to play at home. I would like to wish Tadhg well in the years to come.”
Loosehead Porter, who started all 11 of Ireland’s Tests in 2024, remains one of Leo Cullen and Andy Farrell’s most important players in either blue or green.
The 28-year-old made his Test debut against USA in 2017 and has gone on to earn 70 Ireland caps.
Like Furlong, Porter has won three Six Nations titles and featured at both the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups.
Porter has played 128 times for Leinster since making his professional bow in September 2016, winning four league titles and the European Champions Cup. The Dubliner has scored 18 tries for his province.
“Playing in Ireland is something that I never take for granted and I’m delighted to commit my future to my home province Leinster and Ireland,” Porter said.
“There’s a huge amount of talent coming through the system at provincial and international levels and it is a privilege to work with such a talented group of coaches and players.
“I believe that the level of competition will drive us all on as we bid for success in the months and years to come and I’m proud that I will have the chance to be a play in the Irish system for the next number of seasons.”
Humphreys added on Porter: “Andrew is an outstanding world-class talent and it is a huge statement of intent that he has committed his future to both Leinster and the IRFU. He has maintained a consistently high level of performance for club and country and his durability means that he is a key figure in Irish Rugby and will continue to be so for the next few seasons.
“We are delighted that Andrew has signed a new deal and look forward to him taking the next steps forward in his career in the years to come.”
Glad Moreno has finally been dropped. Very poor defensive game for a left back. Flanno not as quick & flashy but he can tackle and mince people.
Is he a Butcher
He butchered Sterling tonight that’s for sure.
Sturridge injured again .
He’s resting poor fella.
Raheem Sterling is a FRAUD. 50M for what.
Results going Leicsters way thus far.
And uniteds.
Bad news for Liverpool. Demichelis is on the bench. Probably won’t get a game.
Pelligrini going out in style. Handing over the reigns to Guardiola with no champions league football. Lol
Lol Arsenal!
Top 4 for Liverpool? Seriously?
No chance
The really big match tonight is Spurs and West Ham. The league could already over for these two
Already be over for whom man?
And where’s the Man U live blog :) you are right though….if spurs win tonight, I think they’ll win the league.
Benteke benched again?
MATA!!!!!
City are an absolute shambles in their defence for all their attacking players, Liverpool much more clinical. Mata puts Utd 1 up which is a disaster for City too.
Yeah two minutes after Watford should have had a penalty. Darmian is a liability
When your lucks in it’s in :)
City to win 1-2
Hope you didn’t put any money on that result…
I hope he did
Great call on the score Popey
There’s literally no result in the city-liverclowns game that I won’t be happy with.
Yep, a win for liverpuddle is good for united in the battle for 4th but I still can’t bring myself to want them to win.
Lallana!…. good for the manc wanks thus far, but still time…. Would help if they beat Watford….
Watford should be winning to be honest. United playing poorly and Watford wasting good chances.
Man U, like pool, only raise their games for the bigger clubs these days….
You’re right Ron. Picked up our game against Arsenal. Need the win tonite though.
Should you not be watching that borefest? Being the great fan you are.
It’s not on Sky! Besides this game was a cracker so I’m happy!
Mainz 1 up away to bayern a better game to watch
Cheers Liverpool *shudders*
Lol….. You cheered for them when they beat Blackburn all those years ago….. This time you took advantage…. What needs to happen though is for all English teams to do well in Europe…..
A few days too late lads
Take Origi off. He’s playing garbage.
Why is Sterling being booed?
Hmmm i wonder
Because he is a cupid stunt maybe?
cause he left Liverpool? Happens all the time