Sean Jansen has committed his long-term future to Connacht Rugby, signing a new two-year contract extension that will keep the province’s reigning Player of the Year at Dexcom Stadium until at least 2029.
The deal is a major boost for Connacht as the province prepares for another demanding United Rugby Championship campaign. Jansen’s existing contract was due to expire at the end of the 2026/27 season, but his latest agreement gives the western province certainty over one of its most influential forwards.
Sean Jansen extends Connacht stay
Jansen joined Connacht from Leicester Tigers in 2023 and has quickly established himself as a central figure in the team. The Dunedin-born back row has become particularly popular with supporters thanks to his direct carrying, physical defence and eye for the try line.
During the previous season, the 27-year-old scored 12 tries in 20 appearances. He also finished third in the URC tackle rankings after making 219 tackles, underlining the breadth of his contribution beyond his work with ball in hand.
That consistency earned him the Connacht Player of the Year award, voted for by his team-mates. His form also brought international recognition, with Jansen receiving his first Ireland call-up for the July Nations Championship fixtures.
From Connacht standout to Ireland debutant
Jansen made his Ireland debut against Japan, scoring a try and being named player of the match. He was then included in the matchday squad for Ireland’s meeting with his native New Zealand the following week.
For Connacht, retaining a player who has made that rapid progression is an important statement. The number eight now has the opportunity to build on his international experience while remaining a key part of the province’s plans in the URC and Champions Cup.
A player built for the modern back row
Jansen’s value comes from his ability to influence several areas of a match. He offers a strong carrying option in tight exchanges, works tirelessly in defence and provides a genuine scoring threat close to the line. Those qualities make him an important link between Connacht’s set-piece platform and its attacking ambition.
His decision to stay also preserves continuity in a Connacht pack that will be expected to compete consistently against the leading sides in Ireland rugby. The province’s supporters will hope his contract extension can help turn recent progress into silverware.
Connacht targeting further progress
Connacht made a strong push for the play-offs last season and secured Champions Cup rugby. Head coach Stuart Lancaster described Jansen’s new deal as a significant lift for the entire organisation, pointing to the forward’s role in that campaign and his international breakthrough.
Lancaster also highlighted Jansen’s age, with the player still 27 and entering what should be some of the most productive years of his career. Keeping him through 2029 gives Connacht a proven performer around whom the team can continue to develop.
For Jansen, the attraction is clear. He has settled into life in Ireland and believes the squad has the togetherness and coaching quality required to challenge for honours.
“All I want to do now is to keep playing and contributing where I can, and bring silverware to the west,” Jansen said.
That ambition will be tested across a busy schedule of Ireland rugby fixtures, URC matches and European competition. Jansen’s challenge will be to maintain his club form while competing for further opportunities in the Ireland squad.
Read more: Ireland rugby updates
For more coverage of Irish rugby, read the latest Ireland rugby news and international updates.
Explore more: Irish sports coverage
Keep up with wider Irish sports headlines and match coverage on Daily Digest, alongside news and features from Media Digest and Luxe Digest.
What happens next?
Jansen’s extended commitment gives Connacht a dependable, high-impact presence in the back row until at least 2029. The next step is to see whether his form can help the province convert last season’s momentum, play-off push and Champions Cup qualification into a sustained challenge for major honours.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
