THE CHOSEN ONES

THERE are currently 14 players on IRFU-funded central contracts across the four provinces. Jack McGrath, Rory Best and Sean O’Brien are the three most recent to move off the payroll...

CIAN HEALY - Leinster loosehead almost retired due to debilitating neck injury in 2014, but signed a two-year IRFU contract extension last May. Won 98th cap against England and set to become Ireland’s next Test centurion.

TADHG FURLONG - Frontline tighthead signed three-year IRFU contract in 2017, taking him up to June 2021, just before the Lions tour of South Africa.

DEVIN TONER - Locked down on a three-year deal with IRFU at the end of December 2016. Out of contract in June of this year. Meathman will be 34 by then and has dropped down international pecking order.

IAIN HENDERSON - Ulster lock toured with the Lions in 2017 and is currently contracted until June 2021 just before Warren Gatland’s squad head for South Africa.

JAMES RYAN - Latest to put pen to paper in February. Ryan 23, is locked in with IRFU until 2023. Future captain.

PETER O’MAHONY - Munster captain signed new three-year deal at end of 2017, taking him towards June 2021. CJ STANDER - Munster No8 on central contract until June 2021.

CONOR MURRAY - Munster scrum-half signed new threeyear deal in late 2018. Current contract expires in June 2022.

JOHNNY SEXTON - Contracted until June 2021. Lions tour could be international swansong.

KEITH EARLS - Ireland Players’ Player of the Year award winner in May of 2018, signing a deal until June 2021 later that year.

ROBBIE HENSHAW - IRFU retained ‘world class’ Leinster midfielder until 2022 with three-year contract extension in February 2019.

BUNDEE AKI - Signed a big-money deal with IRFU in February, keeping him in Ireland until 2023. First Connacht player to sign IRFU central contract.

JACOB STOCKDALE - Ulster wing signed three-year deal with IRFU until June 2023 back in February. Has scored 16 tries in 28 Tests.

ROB KEARNEY - Currently in his 15th season as a professional in Ireland. Signed one-year extension last May but out of contract this summer.