Eoin de Buitléar signs first professional contract with Connacht Rugby

Hooker Eoin De Buitléar will join the Connacht Rugby professional ranks next season, signing a two-year deal with his home province.

After coming through the ranks with the Connacht academy, De Buitléar has spent the last few months integrating into the professional set-up and will now join the group full-time for pre-season training in the summer.

De Buitléar comes from a family steeped in rugby at his hometown of An Cheathrù Rua in the heart of Connemara. His father Cian co-founded An Ghaeltacht Rugbaí in the village while his brother Colm is a former Connacht player.

On signing his contract, De Buitléar said: “This is a very proud day for me personally and for my family and my community back home. Rugby is such a big part of our lives and I’m thrilled to now have the opportunity to play full-time for my home province. I hope I can do everyone in An Cheathrù Rua and An Ghaeltacht Rugbaí proud in the next few years.”

Andy Friend, Connacht director of rugby, added: “Eoin’s journey from his days in Carraroe to where he is now is a brilliant story, and a testament to the incredible work being done to grow the game of rugby in that part of the province.

“His family and coaches should be very proud of what he has achieved so far and I know he has the qualities to make a big impact on the professional scene for the next few years.”