Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong has ended months of speculation by agreeing a new one-year deal with the IRFU. However, with the IRFU undergoing cuts across the board, this is the reality facing many players who were out of contract this summer. Furlong was included in last week's Lions squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa, as he looks to build on his impressive debut tour in 2017. “Tadhg was a long time out of the game but showed upon his return in January what a positive influence he can be for both Ireland and Leinster,” said IRFU performance director David Nucifora. “He has grown as a senior voice in the Ireland squad and his recent performances reminded everyone why he is rated as one of the best tightheads in world rugby."

Source: Irish Independent May 10, 2021 13:22 UTC