Connacht Monthly Award For Masterson

Connacht back rower Eoghan Masterson has been named the province’s Player of the Month for March in association with Hartmanns Jewellers and Seiko Watches.

Eoghan Masterson was selected as one of three nominees by the Connacht management team for his impressive performances on the pitch and his hard work and commitment off it. He was then applauded across social media where he won the majority of the votes from the province’s supporters.

The 22-year-old, who was drafted into the Connacht Academy just 17 months ago, has had a rapid rise through the ranks to senior PRO12 rugby. Injuries to the flanker position meant the Portlaoise native was relaunched into the back row after impressing last season with six league starts.

The former Ireland Under-20 international, whose favoured position is number 8, has fitted seamlessly into the number 7 jersey where he has played seven times during the current campaign, scoring his first try away to the Newport Gwent Dragons in February.

Last month, he impressed in the bonus point win over Benetton Treviso at the Sportsground and stood out on his first interprovincial start away to Munster at Thomond Park. The performances of the Connacht Eagles captain were recently rewarded with a new two-year professional contract.

Commenting on the award winner, assistant coach Dan McFarland said: “This is a remarkable achievement for Eoghan. He is a very young player, playing at a high level in a demanding position that is normally associated with more experienced players.

“His diligence in his preparation means that he has garnered a huge amount of trust from the coaching staff and he has delivered on the pitch.”

Richard Hartmann, director of Hartmann Jewellers, added: “Eoghan’s story is a great one and we’re all delighted to see a young Irish player make it on the big stage through sheer hard work and determination.

“It’s remarkable to think how much he’s achieved at such a young age and the Connacht supporters have recognised that. We hope that he continues to go from strength to strength under Pat (Lam) and the rest of the coaching staff.”

Hartmanns of Galway are the leading store in the west of Ireland stocking a huge array of the world’s top watch and jewellery brands. They have been long-time supporters of Connacht Rugby.