CONNACHT HAVE CONFIRMED that six players will graduate from their academy into Andy Friend’s senior squad ahead of the 2020/21 season.
Second row Niall Murray, who has already featured for the senior team, is among the promising youngsters, while prolific wing Peter Sullivan will be hoping for plenty of opportunities out wide next season.
Back row Sean Masterson and out-half Conor Dean have already been capped at senior level.
Former Ireland U20 international loosehead prop Jordan Duggan and scrum-half Colm Reilly are the other two players stepping up from Connacht’s academy into the Friend’s squad ahead of next season.
Lock Murray has already made two senior starts for Connacht, having helped the Ireland U20s to their Grand Slam in 2019, a campaign in which scrum-half Reilly also featured – scoring a try in the win over Wales that secured the Slam.
Dean, Masterson and Duggan previously played with Leinster age-grade teams before signing for the Connacht academy, with their moves west clearly paying off as they now advance onto professional contracts
Masterson joins his older brother, Eoghan, in the western province’s squad having already featured in the Pro14.
Sullivan, another former Leinster underage player, earned his shot with Connacht thanks to prolific performances with Lansdowne in the All-Ireland League, then impressing with the Connacht Eagles last season.
“We are delighted to confirm today’s news as we build for the future,” said Friend. “I am a firm believer that a club’s lifeline is its academy structure, and this exciting group of young players proves that the Connacht academy is extremely healthy, and will continue to have a positive impact on our squad going forward.
“I would like to say congratulations to the six men named, as well as a special thank you to all the people who have helped them get to their point of their careers – particularly the academy department led by Eric Elwood, their respective clubs and schools, and most importantly their family and friends.”
Elwood, who is Connacht’s academy manager, shared his pleasure at the six new senior deals.
“I would like to congratulate the six players on their first professional contracts and joining up with the pro squad for next season,” said Friend.
“It has been a pleasure to watch the players develop and grow over the years and we wish them well on the next step of their journey in their rugby careers.
“It’s particularly pleasing to see two more local lads come through the grassroots programme, which is a testament to the great work being done at all levels at Connacht Rugby.”
That’s great work. Best of luck to all these lads. With the other new signings and maybe 1 or 2 more they could build a really good side.
@Chris Mc: tbh if they only add 1-2 new signings on top of these lads then I think they’ve got a significantly weaker squad than they had last season. They need a few lads who have experience of top level rugby and who’re ready to go straight into the first team.
@Jim Demps: correct Jim unfortunately Connacht are being sacrificed for IRFU budget cuts
@Jim Demps: disappointing Jim to see Connacht cast once more as the IRFU’s development province in order that the increasingly desperate attempt to drag Munster to a trophy (any trophy) or even a final continues. There are still gaps at No8 and the full back/wing for Connacht to fill before we return to action in August, but it does seem like there will be just two (maximum) experienced arrivals.
@Jim Demps: I’m with you on that one, at least 4 good players needed to be similar to last seasons squad
@David Finn: I still reckon there’ll be a bit more than that, I’d be hopeful anyway. Maybe two overseas signings and another 2-3 internal?
@Jim Demps: you’d hope so.
@David Finn: they’ll be incredibly light if that’s not the case
@Jim Demps: I think the 4 signing added to the players promoted with a injury free run and Carty and Marmion hitting form and they have the basis of a really decent side.
It’s great these lads are getting a chance, but it doesn’t gloss over that that Connacht are getting weaker each year, badly need competition for places.
Delighted for the young lads but must say underwhelmed with recruitment and consequently our ambition for next couple years. Squad stripped off senior players , replaced with young lads who will take time to be able to survive at senior rugby never mind thriving which is what is needed. Hopefully 4 places still available to be filled with some decent senior strong players aka bring what Muldowney, McCartney, Fainga, Clarke, etc brought you Connacht.
Peter Sullivan has all the ingredients to make it let just hope they’re all given a fair crack of the whip to develop.
Good to see youth promoted through the ranks and we wish them well in their careers.
There is no doubt that all squads will have tighten their belts and we will probably not see many if indeed any so called big money signings for a few years to come, other than those already agreed.
Academy players fit the bill, financially and also promote support from the fans, Ho have watched their development.
Patience will be required in that it is more than likely a two or three year project before it bears fruit.
Fantastic trust shown by Andy Friend and his coaching team and really building for the future. It sends a very strong message to young players in the province. Delighted for our 3 Buccaneers players, superb young men, very talented and deserve their shot
@Pol O’Broin: fantastic trust or lack of budget