One Munster player now on a central deal with two from Connacht and none from Ulster

As a result of Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen agreeing upgraded deals with the IRFU, all 14 players under central contracts with the union have been finalised for next season and in several instances beyond 2026 as well.

The list of those 14 players reaffirms the degree to which Leinster have pulled clear of their three domestic rivals and, hence, Irish rugby’s heavy reliance on one province. 

Leinster provide 11 of the 14 under central contracts, with Hansen the second Connacht player along with Bundee Aki, and Tadhg Beirne the one Munster player remaining on a central deal next season on foot of Peter O’Mahony’s retirement and Conor Murray’s retirement from Test rugby.

With a diverse spread of positions, it’s hard to quibble with Leinster’s monopolisation of central IRFU deals. Indeed, their supporters will argue they might have more, notably James Lowe, who remains on a provincial deal, albeit one funded, like all contracts, by the union.

There will be no Ulster player centrally contracted with Iain Henderson coming off one at the end of this season and agreeing a provincial deal with Ulster for the next two seasons. 

Another interesting takeaway is that despite the spread of positions, there is still no outhalf on a central contract in the post-Johnny Sexton era.

Jack Crowley would have seemed a likely candidate at this point last season, but the emergence of Sam Prendergast has perhaps impacted that development.

McCarthy has earned a promotion as a consequence of becoming one of the pack’s mainstays despite the competitiveness at lock. 

Until suffering a head injury two days before this year’s Six Nations opener at home to England, the 23-year-old had started 13 Tests in a row dating back to the World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand.

McCarthy has also made 42 appearances for Leinster since making his senior debut against Cardiff Blues in January 2022.

McCarthy said: “I am delighted to continue my association with Leinster and Ireland and I believe there’s a lot more to come as we build towards an exciting end to the season and beyond. I have loved playing for my home province and representing my country is a huge honour which means the world to me. I would like to thank my team-mates and coaches for their help and support and I have no doubt that there’s more to come as we collectively build towards the future.” 

Hansen has committed his future to Ireland and Connacht by signing a new two-year central contract. He has won 27 caps since making his Test debut against Wales in February 2022, establishing himself as a key component of Ireland’s back three, and scoring 12 tries.

The Connacht winger, who turns 27 later this month, was nominated for the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year Award in his debut season at Test level and his commitment to Irish Rugby until at least the end of the 2026/27 is another boost for the team building towards Rugby World Cup 2027.

Hansen signed for Connacht ahead of the 2021/22 season and has played 38 times for the province.

Hansen said: “Since moving to Ireland I have loved my time and I am delighted to sign this new contract. Playing in Ireland with Connacht means a huge amount to me and I feel that I have improved because of the coaching and structures here. 

"There’s a huge amount to play for this season and I’ll be focusing my efforts on finishing strongly for Ireland and Connacht. I’d like to thank the IRFU for putting their faith in me and I’m hugely excited about the future.” 

Ireland’s centrally contracted players next season:

Hugo Keenan (Leinster); Mack Hansen (Connacht); Garry Ringrose (Leinster); Robbie Henshaw (Leinster); Bundee Aki (Connacht); Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster); Andrew Porter (Leinster); Dan Sheehan (Leinster); Tadhg Furlong (Leinster); Tadhg Beirne (Munster); James Ryan (Leinster); Joe McCarthy (Leinster); Josh van der Flier (Leinster); Caelan Doris (Leinster).