Andy Farrell has made it clear that Bundee Aki and James Lowe are part of his plans for next season, leading up to the World Cup in Australia.
Both players are out of contract at the end of this season, with reported interest from abroad.
And asked if he expects the players to be staying in Ireland and part of his plans, the Ireland coach said the pair remain as important as ever.
“They’ve been fantastic players for us, servants for Irish rugby, and will continue to be,” he replied.
“Obviously that [their contract] is not up to me to comment on, but I’m sure these things will get done down the line.”
Lowe had a disrupted start to the championship, with the 33-year-old dropped for the opening defeat to…