9 Irish Players who are out of contract in 2018
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Following the announcement that Simon Zebo will be leaving Munster to join Racing and Peter O'Mahony snubbing the IRFU's proposed deal, the Independent.ie released a list of 9 Irish Internationals whose contracts are expiring at the end of the current season.
The IRFU and the provinces will be doing all they can to hold onto these key internationals, especially considering the fact that their contracts would be expiring just one year before the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
These players are:
Rory Best
At the age of 35 Rory Best is still the Ireland captain and the veteran is showing no sign of slowing down.
Whether he can continue this trend until the World Cup is yet to be determined but the Ulster hooker would surely add plenty of value in a World Cup squad.
Tommy Bowe
The 33-year-old is unlikely to get his IRFU contract renewed with the steady stream of quality young wingers like Jacob Stockdale and Adam Byrne who are starting to make their presence known at Test level.
Iain Henderson
Henderson could be a future Ireland captain but the second rower has been talking with clubs from France and England but it is considered to be a low flight risk with a central contract almost guaranteed.
Jared Payne
Payne has yet to make an appearance since the Lions match against the Chiefs in June and given his age he is unlikely to have his contract renewed but Joe Schmidt remains a big fan.
Tadhg Furlong
A quality tighthead prop is important to any side and Tadhg Furlong is world class. Furlong will be one of the most crucial players that the IRFU will be looking to keep in the country.
Rob Kearney
Kearney will surely attract plenty of local interest but if Kearney ever leaves Leinster now will be the time. Kearney started two of Ireland's November Tests but whether he will still be in the mix come the Rugby World Cup in Japan is hard to tell considering his age.
Garry Ringrose
Tipped to be the next BOD, Ringrose will probably want to remain in the country and further his development and state his claim for the no.13 Test jersey.
Peter O’Mahony
O'Mahony will likely remain at Munster if the IRFU are willing to tailor his deal to his likening.
CJ Stander
Stander is likely to attract plenty of interest around Europe much like O'Mahony. Stander is likely to remain at Munster but it all depends on whether he’s offered a national deal.
