CONNACHT HAVE BEGUN the process of finalising their squad for next season with the province confirming the departure of seven players at the end of this campaign.
Fionn Carr and Aly Muldowney will be leaving the Sportsgrounds alongside Jason Harris-Wright, AJ MacGinty, George Naoupu, Api Pewhairangi and Ian Porter.
30-year-old Carr has enjoyed two spells with Connacht but has fallen out of favour this term after struggling with form and fitness.
The winger has featured just three times in the Pro12 and his services have been deemed surplus to requirement by Pat Lam.
Leaving alongside Carr will be English-born lock Muldowney, who is expected to join French outfit Grenoble ahead of next season.
Muldowney has spent three years out west and has played an integral role in Connacht’s successes this season.
“It’s always a difficult time of year when we have to make decisions about the future makeup of the squad,” Pat Lam said. “Within professional rugby, every team sees changes in their squad from one season to the next.
“What we have achieved so far this season, and what remains to be achieved, has come on the back of the hard work of every single player in this current squad. I know everyone is committed and excited to finish the 2015/16 season together on a massive high.
“We recognise and value the contribution these men have made to Connacht Rugby and we will celebrate it together with our supporters at the end of the season.”
American out-half MacGinty will move to Premiership side Sale while Robbie Henshaw’s switch to Leinster was confirmed in February.
Connacht, who are currently second in the Pro12 with just three games of the regular season remaining, are preparing for their Challenge Cup quarter-final against Grenoble this weekend.
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Harsh on Marx after his monster game on Sat but Vermuelen offers similar poaching. Likely that Marx will come at 16 around the time Vermuelen will come off.
Otherwise strong team though surely there’s a better winger available than Kriel who’s a 13?