'Proved his quality': Tadhg Beirne signs a lengthy IRFU extension

Ireland forward Tadhg Beirne has agreed to an IRFU central contract that will see him play his rugby at Munster until July 2025. The 2021 Lions tourist has continued the rich form that got him selected by Warren Gatland to tour South Africa, featuring as a mainstay under Andy Farrell through the Autumn Nations Series and on into the opening two rounds of the 2022 Guinness Six Nations. 

Beirne said: “I have made some tough decisions in my career but this was an easy one. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me on this journey - my family, my partner and the different coaches along the way who helped me become a better player.

“Representing Munster, Ireland and the Lions over the past few seasons has been fantastic and I am looking forward to contributing in red and green in the years to come."

David Nucifora, the IRFU performance director, added: "Tadhg’s journey to a green jersey has not been a straight line but he backed himself and proved his quality. Since his return to Ireland in 2018 he has continued to improve his game and illustrate his worth to both Munster and Irish rugby with the consistency and quality of his performances."

Beirne made his Ireland debut against Australia on the 2018 summer tour, going on to feature in every game of Ireland’s 2019 World Cup campaign. He has so far won 27 Ireland caps and featured in the Lions squad for the first two Tests of their series against the Springboks.

The forward came through the system at Leinster but joined Welsh outfit Scarlets in 2016, winning a PRO12 title in 2017. He joined Munster in 2018, making his debut against Glasgow Warriors in September of that year. He has represented Munster on 45 occasions to date.