Ireland and Leinster prop Tadhg Furlong has extended his contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union until the end of the 2021-22 season.
The 28-year-old was last week named in the Irish and British Lions squad for this summer’s tour of South Africa, having started all three Lions Tests against New Zealand in 2017.
He made his international debut against Wales in a warm-up fixture ahead of the 2015 World Cup and has won 49 caps for his country in total.
#TeamOfUs
🤩 A 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 as our July games at @avivastadium are confirmed, and now @tadhgfurlong signs a one-year contract extension! 🙌 🟢#ShoulderToShoulder #IrishRugby— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) May 10, 2021
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Furlong, who was part of Ireland’s Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam-winning side of 2018, was recently sidelined for almost a year through injury before returning to action during this year’s Championship.
IRFU performance director David Nucifora said in a statement: “Tadhg was a long time out of the game but showed upon his return what a positive influence he can be for both Ireland and Leinster.
“He has grown as a senior voice in the Ireland squad and his recent performances reminded everyone why he is rated as one of the best tightheads in world rugby.”
Furlong has made 113 appearances for Leinster, winning a Heineken Cup in 2018, in addition to four Guinness PRO14 titles.
“There has been some tough days of late but I believe the squads we have in both Leinster and Ireland are able to compete for trophies in the future,” he said.
Meanwhile, fellow Ireland forward Quinn Roux will leave Connacht when his contract expires at the end of this season.
The South Africa-born second row, who has 16 Test caps for his adopted country, joined the province from rivals Leinster in the summer of 2014 and has made 106 appearances in seven years.
Connacht Rugby can confirm @QuinnRoux will depart the club at the end of the season.
We are disappointed to see him go but we thank him for 7️⃣ incredible years and 106 games, with plenty of @IrishRugby caps along the way too.
More: https://t.co/WP8KXgUZ3C— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) May 10, 2021
“There were a lot of factors at play, but most importantly I had to make a decision that was best for me and my wife Rentus and my daughter Rhemy,” the 30-year-old told Connacht’s website.
“Rhemy is still very young and we feel the timing is right to go and experience something new as a family.
“I will miss Galway, but we have a home here that we plan to return to and raise our children. I very much look forward to when that day comes.”
