CONNACHT HAVE SECURED their front-row future by tying down props Ronan Loughney and Brett Wilkinson to contract extensions.

Tighthead Loughney and loosehead Wilkinson have both agreed new deals to remain at the Sportsground until 2015, the province said this evening.

Loughney, 28,  is one of the youngest players ever to win 100 caps for Connacht, a milestone he reached against Scarlets in March.

The Galway native has been a regular in the front row this season, featuring in six of the nine games including a try in the memorable 34-6 win over Leinster in September.

“I’m thrilled to have officially committed to Connacht for another two years,” Loughney said. “There’s nothing better than playing for your province and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.

As a club, we’re achieving more and more each year and there’s a real ambition amongst everyone to push on to the next level. I’m delighted to be a part of that upward curve.

Wilkinson is now in his sixth year with Connacht and the South African-born scrummager is in line to earn his 150th cap against Benneton Treviso on Saturday.

He said: “It’s a very exciting time for Connacht Rugby with the province competing in the Heineken Cup, Rabo and B&I Cup this season.

“There’s huge work being done both on and off the field and I’m really looking forward to contributing to that for at least another two years”

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