‘The best is yet to come’ – Dan Sheehan inks new Ireland and Leinster deal
Dan Sheehan after scoring for Ireland against Wales.
Outstanding Ireland and Leinster hooker Dan Sheehan has put pen to paper on a new two-year contract, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) confirmed on Monday.
Sheehan, 25, has established himself as one of the sport’s leading players since breaking on to the international scene for his country against Japan in 2021.
Since then the complete hooker has gone on to represent Ireland on 26 occasions to date, scoring 10 tries in the process.
Six Nations success
He was a key figure during Ireland’s 2023 Grand Slam and 2024 Six Nations successes and was recently selected in the 2024 Men’s Six Nations Team of the Championship as reward for his superb form.
It was no surprise that his showings last year culminated in his selection in World Rugby’s Men’s 15’s Dream Team of the Year as his stock continues to rise.
Sheehan has also played for Leinster on 58 occasions to date, scoring 35 tries, and was named the United Rugby Championship’s Players’ Player of the Season in 2022/23.
“I’m delighted to commit my future to Leinster and continue my playing career in Ireland,” Sheehan commented about his two-year deal with Leinster and Ireland.
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“It means an enormous amount to wear the green of Ireland and blue of Leinster and I would like to thank all of my coaches, team-mates 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 was understandably happy to lock in the future of the impressive hooker, labelling Sheehan as a “world-class talent”.
World class
“Dan is a world-class talent who continues to set the bar high in world rugby,” he said.
“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.”
