Contract extensions for 21 Connacht Rugby players
Connacht Rugby have announced that 21 players have re-signed for the province ahead of the 2021/22 season.
In all, 19 players from the existing professional squad have renewed deals for next season, while a further two players, Oran McNulty and Cian Prendergast, have been promoted from the Connacht Academy.
Today’s announcement includes four Irish internationals – Finlay Bealham, Jack Carty, Ultan Dillane and Ballina native Dave Heffernan – while joint-leading Guinness PRO14 try scorer Alex Wootton has signed on a permanent contract having joined on loan from Munster last summer. Ballinrobe native Matthew Burke has also re-signed for the province.
Commenting on the announcement, Connacht head coach Andy Friend said: “I am delighted to see so many of our current crop of players sign on for another season. This is still a very challenging time for everyone in Irish Rugby so to have them commit to Connacht Rugby again says it all about the belief we have as a group to continue the progress we’re making.
“Seventeen of the 21 players were once part of the Connacht Academy, and in that group we have a mix of established Irish internationals, experienced players within the province and plenty of young players still in the early stages of their careers.
“I have been very impressed by Cian Prendergast and Oran McNulty, and their first professional contracts is the culmination of years of work from grassroots level to where they are now. Congratulations not just to them but their parents, coaches and all the other volunteers who helped them along the way.
“We are continuing to shape the squad for next season, with further discussions ongoing, and supporters should expect more positive news in the weeks and months ahead.”
Connacht Rugby’s retention and recruitment remains ongoing and further announcements will be made in due course.
Confirmed new contracts for 2021/22: Finlay Bealham, Paul Boyle, Denis Buckley, Matthew Burke, Jack Carty, Shane Delahunt, Ultan Dillane, Jordan Duggan, Conor Fitzgerald, Dave Heffernan, Eoghan Masterson, Sean Masterson, Oran McNulty, Niall Murray, Conor Oliver, John Porch, Cian Prendergast, Colm Reilly, Peter Sullivan, Gavin Thornbury, Alex Wootton.