CONNACHT HAVE CONFIRMED that 21 players have signed new contracts with the province ahead of the 2021/2022 season.
In all, 19 players from Andy Friend’s existing senior squad have extended their respective stays at the Sportsground, with Oran McNulty and Cian Prendergast making the jump from academy contracts to full-time deals.
Guinness Pro14 joint-top try-scorer Alex Wootton has made his initial loan deal from Munster a permanent move, while four Irish internationals — Finlay Bealham, Jack Carty, Ultan Dillane and Dave Heffernan — have also signed extensions.
Gavin Thornbury, whose current form at provincial level may well see him feature for Ireland before long, is also among those to have put pen to paper.
“I am delighted to see so many of our current crop of players sign on for another season,” said head coach Friend. “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 say that the province’s “retention and recruitment remains ongoing” and that “further announcements will be made in due course.”
Full list of new contracts ahead of 2021/22 season as announced on Thursday
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
Gavan Casey, Bernard Jackman, and Murray Kinsella discuss CVC’s share in the Six Nations, TV rights, Ireland’s trip to Edinburgh, and last weekend’s inter-pros:
The42 Rugby Weekly / SoundCloud
Impressive piece of business there. Particularly happy to see Carty sign despite interest from both England and France. Neither Marmion or Blade’s names on that list, although they might be in the middle of 2 year deals from last year. Others crucial to joining that list would be McAllister, Dowling, Tom Daly, Tom Farrell, Papali’i, Roux, and Aungier.
@David Finn: Marmion signed a three year deal last year, so will be with us until 2023. Not sure of the others. Would assume Papali’i would have a two year contract, and he only joined us last year? Would love a bit of depth in the front row and locks, but very happy with the re-signings
@David Finn: According to the the Clan Forum Aungier & Dowling both signed 2 yr contracts when they arrived last year with Daly & Farrell also signing 2 yr deals in 2020. Surprised Quinn wasn’t announced but his recent shoulder injury and surgery probably complicated things. Paddy Mac has been unlucky with injury so they might not want to risk another contract. I don’t think the length of Papali’i's deal was published when he signed so he might have another season to run. Conor Oliver’s may also be up this season but I could see him getting retained given the amount of games he’s featured in this season.
@Max Power: Oliver was renewed today!
@Barra Mac An Bhaird: Indeed he was!
Delighted for Wooten, he’s been excellent this season!
Delighted Carty didn’t end up in Clermont Auvergne. He would have been a huge loss for them.
Carty signing a 1 year contract whereas most of the rest are 2 year contracts would suggest it’s to get security until post covid when offers will be higher.
Wouldnt blame carty for jumping ship or cooney for that matter its actually good to see irish talent on display in different leagues like zebo and ryan or paddy jackson at LI.
Getting boyle and thornbury locked down is great to see.. I thought they have been in the shop window for bigger and better things for 2 seasons or more now and may be persuaded elsewhere .. covid might of helped out connacht
Savage stuff. Hon Connacht
Is there anyones contact that was up this season, not signed up yet?
@Kingshu: Quinn Roux seems to be the obvious name jumping out. Happy for connacht that they managed to tie down Wooton and Thornbury. You’d imagine both would have had plenty of suitors.