THE IRFU HAVE announced that Leinster lock Joe McCarthy and Connacht wing Mack Hansen have signed new contracts which will keep them with Ireland and their respective provinces.
Confirmation of McCarthy’s new three-year central deal came after it was announced that Hansen had committed for a further two years.
McCarthy, who made his Test debut against Australia in November 2022, will remain with Ireland and Leinster until at least the end of the 2027/28 season.
The 23-year-old has earned 17 Ireland caps in total, playing a key role in Ireland’s Six Nations championship success in 2024.
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McCarthy has also represented his province on 42 occasions since making his senior debut against Cardiff Blues in January 2022.
We're delighted to announce Joe McCarthy has signed a new long-term contract with Irish Rugby to commit his future to Ireland and Leinster Rugby until the end of the 2027/28 season! 💪#TeamOfUs
“I’m delighted to continue my association with Leinster and Ireland and I believe there’s a lot more to come as we build towards an exciting end to the season and beyond,” McCarthy said upon confirmation of his extension.
“I have loved playing for my home province and representing my country is a huge honour which means the world to me. I would like to thank my team-mates and coaches for their help and support and I have no doubt that there’s more to come as we collectively build towards the future.”
IRFU performance director said of McCarthy’s retention: “Since making his provincial and international debuts three years ago, Joe has quickly established himself in the engine room of the Leinster and Ireland packs and we are delighted that he has agreed this new three-year deal.
“His application, physicality and talent has enhanced his reputation for club and country and it is a big statement for Irish rugby that one of the top young talents has committed his long-term future here. We all look forward to watching his continued progression over the years to come.”
Connacht wing Hansen has put pen to paper on a two-year deal which will keep him with country and province until the end of the 2026/27 campaign.
Hansen has won 27 caps for Ireland since making his debut against Wales in February 2022, and has scored 12 tries during that time.
The Connacht star was nominated in his debut season for the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year award.
He signed for Connacht in advance of the 2021-22 season and has played 38 times for the province.
We're delighted to announce Mack Hansen has committed his future to Ireland and Connacht Rugby by signing a new two-year contract! ✍️#TeamOfUs
“Since moving to Ireland I have loved my time and I am delighted to sign this new contract,” remarked Hansen.
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“Playing in Ireland with Connacht means a huge amount to me and I feel that I have improved because of the coaching and structures here. There’s a huge amount to play for this season and I’ll be focusing my efforts on finishing strongly for Ireland and Connacht. I’d like to thank the IRFU for putting their faith in me and I’m hugely excited about the future.”
David Humphreys added: “As a mainstay of the Ireland and Connacht sides in recent years, securing Mack’s signature over the coming season is a huge boost for Irish rugby. He is a proven performer, someone who wears his heart on his sleeve and delivers on the big occasion. He is also a crowd favourite for club and country. We believe that there’s a lot more to come from Mack and I’m sure that he will continue his upward progress over the coming seasons.”
- Updated at 12:45pm with confirmation of Joe McCarthy’s new contract
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Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen sign new national contracts with IRFU
LAST UPDATE | 3 Mar 2025
THE IRFU HAVE announced that Leinster lock Joe McCarthy and Connacht wing Mack Hansen have signed new contracts which will keep them with Ireland and their respective provinces.
Confirmation of McCarthy’s new three-year central deal came after it was announced that Hansen had committed for a further two years.
McCarthy, who made his Test debut against Australia in November 2022, will remain with Ireland and Leinster until at least the end of the 2027/28 season.
The 23-year-old has earned 17 Ireland caps in total, playing a key role in Ireland’s Six Nations championship success in 2024.
McCarthy has also represented his province on 42 occasions since making his senior debut against Cardiff Blues in January 2022.
“I’m delighted to continue my association with Leinster and Ireland and I believe there’s a lot more to come as we build towards an exciting end to the season and beyond,” McCarthy said upon confirmation of his extension.
“I have loved playing for my home province and representing my country is a huge honour which means the world to me. I would like to thank my team-mates and coaches for their help and support and I have no doubt that there’s more to come as we collectively build towards the future.”
IRFU performance director said of McCarthy’s retention: “Since making his provincial and international debuts three years ago, Joe has quickly established himself in the engine room of the Leinster and Ireland packs and we are delighted that he has agreed this new three-year deal.
“His application, physicality and talent has enhanced his reputation for club and country and it is a big statement for Irish rugby that one of the top young talents has committed his long-term future here. We all look forward to watching his continued progression over the years to come.”
Connacht wing Hansen has put pen to paper on a two-year deal which will keep him with country and province until the end of the 2026/27 campaign.
Hansen has won 27 caps for Ireland since making his debut against Wales in February 2022, and has scored 12 tries during that time.
The Connacht star was nominated in his debut season for the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year award.
He signed for Connacht in advance of the 2021-22 season and has played 38 times for the province.
“Since moving to Ireland I have loved my time and I am delighted to sign this new contract,” remarked Hansen.
“Playing in Ireland with Connacht means a huge amount to me and I feel that I have improved because of the coaching and structures here. There’s a huge amount to play for this season and I’ll be focusing my efforts on finishing strongly for Ireland and Connacht. I’d like to thank the IRFU for putting their faith in me and I’m hugely excited about the future.”
David Humphreys added: “As a mainstay of the Ireland and Connacht sides in recent years, securing Mack’s signature over the coming season is a huge boost for Irish rugby. He is a proven performer, someone who wears his heart on his sleeve and delivers on the big occasion. He is also a crowd favourite for club and country. We believe that there’s a lot more to come from Mack and I’m sure that he will continue his upward progress over the coming seasons.”
- Updated at 12:45pm with confirmation of Joe McCarthy’s new contract
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Ireland Mack Hansen New Deal Pen to Paper Rugby