Connacht Rugby have made an omnibus player announcement today with the news that 21 player have re-signed with the club for the 2021-22 season.
The players who have recommitted to the province include 19 who are already on the professional squad.
Two additional player, Oran McNulty and Cian Prendergast, has been promoted from the Connacht Academy, as the provinces continues to nurture talent from within.
In total, 17 of the 21 players in today’s announcement came up through the Connacht Rugby academy system.
Today’s announcement includes four Irish internationals – Finlay Bealham, Jack Carty, Ultan Dillane and Dave Heffernan – while joint-leading Guinness PRO14 try scorer Alex Wootton has signed on a permanent contract having joined on loan from Munster last summer.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Head Coach Andy Friend said that he was delighted to see so many Connacht Rugby players returning.
“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.
Speaking about the new recruits, Andy Friend said that he has been very impressed with them, and that being offered a professional contract is the culmination of years of their work which has brought them “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 Rugby’s retention and recruitment remains ongoing and further announcements will be made in due course.
CONFIRMED NEW CONTRACTS FOR 2021-22
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
