Lord of the Dance
Sheehan signs new IRFU deal
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Sheehan signs new IRFU deal

Dan Sheehan has signed a new two-year contract with Ireland and Leinster, the IRFU has announced today. 

The hooker has played 58 times for Leinster, scoring 35 tries. Sheehan has also played 26 times for Ireland, scored 10 tries, and is one of the best rugby players in his position and the world

Because of his rugby talent and excellent displays for Leinster and Ireland, the Dubliner was honoured in last year's World Rugby's Men's 15's Dream Team of the Year, debuted for Leinster and was awarded URC Players' Player of the Season in 2022/23.

Sheehan was also recently named in the 2024 Guinness Men’s Six Nations Team of the Championship and played pivotal roles in Ireland's Grand Slam victory in 2023 and their Six Nations triumph this year, following his Ireland debut in the Autumn Nations Cup in November 2021, shortly after his Leinster debut.

Last weekend, the try-scoring phenom scored Leinster's fourth as Leinster beat La Rochelle 40-13 in this year's Champions Cup quarterfinal.

Dan Sheehan and Mack Hansen of Ireland celebrate victory at full-time following the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between South Africa and Ireland at Stade de France on September 23, 2023, in Paris, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Speaking about the new deal, Sheehan said, "I am delighted to commit my future to Leinster and continue my playing career in Ireland," said Sheehan, who has scored ten international tries.

"It means an enormous amount to wear the green of Ireland and the blue of Leinster and I would like to thank all of my coaches, teammates, and support staff who help foster such positive environments.

"It is a hugely exciting time to be playing rugby in Ireland and I believe the best is yet to come at club and international levels in the months and years to come."

IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora also commented: "Dan is a world-class talent who continues to set the bar high in world rugby.

"His try-scoring stats are eye-catching but tell only part of the story of his value to the Ireland and Leinster dressing rooms.

"It is a great boost for all supporters of Irish rugby that he has decided to remain in Ireland over the coming seasons, and I look forward to watching his development as he approaches the prime stages of his career."