Irish U20 international prop Sam Illo has been announced as the latest signing for Connacht Rugby, joining the province on a two year contract.
The 20 year old has played for Old Wesley RFC on Donnybrook, and represented Leinster at the underage level, but this is his first professional contract.
This summer saw Illo make his international debut on the U20 Irish side for the Six Nations, where he played at tighthead for all five games.
Head Coah for Connacht Rugby Andy Friend said that adding him is another boost for the province ahead of the next season.
“He was one of Ireland’s standout performers in the U20 Six Nations and has a very bright future ahead of him.”
“I’m confident that at Connacht he will be able to take his game to the next level and give us further options in the front row.”
For his part, Sam said that he is “over the moon” to be joining Connacht, thanking Andy Friend and the other coaches for the opportunity.
“I’m especially looking forward to linking up with Colm Tucker after working closely with him while with the Ireland U20s. To sign my first pro contract is a dream come true and I can’t wait to get started with the rest of the squad.”
