Rory Best signs new deal with Ireland and Ulster to commit to 2019 Rugby World Cup after Six Nations success

Ireland’s Six Nations Grand Slam-winning captain Rory Best has agreed a new two-year contract extension, committing himself to the 2019 Rugby World Cup as well as at least another season with Ulster.

The four-time Six Nations winner led Ireland to just their third men’s Grand Slam last Saturday as they defeated outgoing champions England 24-15 to complete a clean sweep and stretch their winning streak to 12 consecutive matches, securing a third title in five years.

Best’s contract was up for renewal this summer and there were fears that, following last year’s British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand, the hooker could hang up his boots at the end of the season.

But the 35-year-old has agreed to prolong his deal with both Ulster and Ireland through to the end of the Rugby World Cup in Japan next year, meaning he will continue until the end of 2019.

"I am in a very privileged position as captain of Ireland and Ulster to be involved with two groups of incredibly talented players,” Best said in a statement released by Ulster. “I feel I can continue to make a contribution to both Ireland and Ulster Rugby and am delighted to have extended my IRFU [Irish Rugby Football Union] contract to the next World Cup.

"Support of family, friends and supporters is a hugely important element for any professional sportsperson and I would like to thank everyone for their support, but specifically my wife Jodie who has been incredible and has ensured that as a family we have been able to share in all the great memories of the last few years."

Best is not the only Irishman to set his sights on the World Cup after the IRFU also announced that both Rob Kearney and Iain Henderson have agreed similar deals to stay with Leinster and Ulster respectively.

Full-back Kearney also played a starring role in Ireland’s success as he held out youngsters Jordan Larmour and Joey Carbery with a string of impressive performances.

“I am delighted to have extended my IRFU contract and look forward to continuing to achieve with this Ireland squad,” said Kearney. “There have been some fantastic days for both Ireland and Leinster over the course of my career and there is huge potential for growth in both squads as we look to build and develop and challenge for honours.”

Henderson, meanwhile, has signed a three-year contract through to the end of the 2020/21 season and will almost certainly add to the 38 caps that he has accumulated so far in his six-year international career.

"I am delighted and extremely proud to extend my playing career in Ireland for a further three years," Henderson said. “The Irish rugby setup is one of the best in world rugby and, since turning professional, I have been able to develop in an environment that has seen both provincial and national teams being part of some fantastic days and indeed some challenging times over the past seasons.

"I am extremely confident that, with both Ulster and Ireland, we will continue to meet those challenges head on. There is currently some exciting talent throughout Ulster and Irish rugby and it is my ambition to continue to push for further honours at both provincial and national levels. As a proud Ulster man, I have always stated my desire to help Ulster secure lasting success and a legacy that mirrors that of our neighbouring provinces. I am extremely thankful to my family, friends and everyone for their support, and the commitment by the IRFU with a three-year contract which will allow me to achieve my goals."

The news is yet another boost for Irish rugby that is still celebrating Saturday’s St Patrick’s Day success, which has also seen the nation rise to second in the World Rugby rankings ahead of England and behind only New Zealand.

Ireland are due to play the All Blacks in the autumn after a three-Test tour of Australia this summer, and if they can repeat their famous 2016 victory over the All Blacks and remain unbeaten for the rest of the year, Best’s side could potentially break the record for the most consecutive games unbeaten – one that New Zealand and England jointly hold at 18 Tests – when they face Eddie Jones’ side in the opening match of next year’s Six Nations.

Best’s attentions though will turn back to provincial duties now as Ulster face five more Pro14 games league games to try and catch third-placed Edinburgh in a bid to make the play-offs, with the side currently nine points off the top three.