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Van der Flier and Ryan sign new IRFU contracts

Ryan has extended his contract until 2025, while Van der Flier has signed on until the summer of 2026
Ryan has extended his contract until 2025, while Van der Flier has signed on until the summer of 2026

Josh van der Flier and James Ryan have both agreed new contracts with the IRFU to remain at Leinster for the coming years.

Van der Flier has signed a three-year extension to his current Leinster deal, moving up to a central contract with the IRFU, which will keep him at the province until the summer of 2026.

The flanker, who turns 30 later this month, won his 50th Ireland cap in the final round of the Six Nations against England in March, capping off a memorable year which has also seen him named World and European Player of the Year.

"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."

Van der Flier follows Ryan in committing his future to Leinster.

Ryan reached his half century of Test caps for Ireland during the Six Nations this year, and filled in as captain in the Round 3 win against Italy when Johnny Sexton was sidelined with a groin injury.

The 26-year-old was one of Ireland's top performers during the Grand Slam campaign, scoring two tries and playing every minute of the championship success, his second Grand Slam after also starring in the 2018 title season.

Ryan, who has won a Heineken Champions Cup and four URC titles with Leinster, has scored four tries in his 71 appearances for the province.

"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," he said after signing until the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

"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."

Watch Lions v Leinster (Saturday 3pm), Stormers v Munster (Saturday 5.15pm) and Connacht v Cardiff (Saturday 7.35pm) on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player or follow live scores on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app.

Follow a live blog for Italy v Ireland in the Women's Six Nations (Saturday 4.45pm) on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app or listen to live radio commentary on Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1.

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