Portugal Colonial - Forward Beirne signs Ireland contract extension

The 33-year-old, who can operate in the second row or at flanker, made his debut in 2018 and has 58 international caps.

He has featured in Ireland's wins against England and Scotland in the first two rounds of this year's Six Nations.

"It is a source of great pride to represent Ireland and Munster and I am delighted to continue to do so for the foreseeable future," said Beirne, whose new deal runs until the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

"I am hugely excited about the future and will do my best to hopefully deliver for our amazing supporters over the coming seasons."

Munster captain Beirne, who represented the British and Irish Lions in 2021, was one of four Ireland players named in World Rugby's men's team of the year for 2024.

IRFU performance director David Humphreys said: "Tadhg is a world-class talent whose consistent levels of performance for club and country have been of the highest standards for many years.

"For Ireland he has been a mainstay in the pack across a hugely successful era and it is a great boost for the IRFU and Munster Rugby that he has extended his long association in Irish Rugby through until the Rugby World Cup 2027."

Ireland are seeking to win the Six Nations for a third successive year before heading to Wales on February 22.

A.P.Maia--PC