SHEEHAN’S BELIEVING
Leinster hooker pens a new two-year deal
IRELAND’S Dan Sheehan has inked a two-year contract that will seen remain at Leinster until, at least, the end of 2026.
The hooker has become one of the IRFU’s most valuable properties in recent times, making his international debut in 2021 and being one of the top performers in 2023 Grand Slam and 2024 Six Nations wins.
He was also voted 2022/23 URC Players’ Player of the Year and made the 2023 Rugby World Cup Dream Team.
“I love watching him play,” says Leinster assistant Andrew Goodman, who will be joining the Ireland coaching staff this summer.
Skillset
“I love watching him train as well. I’d agree he is changing the game. His skillset to be so effective on the edge, combined with the ability to play the tight game as well and have that power through the middle of the field. They’re obviously his core roles.
“He’s still got a long way to keep on developing and that’s the great thing about him.
“He’s always looking for ways to improve his game and to keep on moving forward. He has got a massive future ahead.”
Sheehan isn’t just a top-class hooker who could move to flanker at any point in a game — he would also make an excellent centre if he had a mind to play there.
“He’s has great skill sets for a midfielder if he wanted to play there, I’ve said to Leo before, if we ever get a number of injuries, I wouldn’t hesitate to put him in a No.12 jersey — he’s got the capabilities to do it.
“He’s just one of those guys who seems to be able to catch and pass off both sides, offload too, while also there is his sense around the game where he pops up and does things, that is great.”
Trip
Meanwhile, Leinster will make the trip to South Africa for their double header with Lions and Stormers without eight senior players.
Ross Byrne was withdrawn following sustaining a minor leg injury at the weekend and will be further assessed during the week, while the news on Hugo Keenan is that he has been managing a hip injury which had a minor flare up in the Captain’s Run last week.
Garry Ringrose (shoulder), Jimmy O’Brien (neck) and Charlie Ngatai (calf) will also remain in Dublin to be further assessed. James Ryan (arm), Tommy O’Brien (hamstring) and Alex Soroka (foot) remain on the long term list.
Keenan