Seven Newcomers In Connacht’s 2015/16 Academy Panel
Connacht have confirmed that seven new players have been offered contracts with the NUIG Connacht Academy under Nigel Carolan from the beginning of 2015/16 season.
Eoghan Masterson, Ultan Dillane and Caolin Blade all graduated to the Connacht senior squad this season after earning valuable game-time in the GUINNESS PRO12 and European Challenge Cup.
Of the seven new Academy recruits, Conan O’Donnell, Stephen McVeigh and Cian Romaine made a series of appearances for the Ireland Under-20s this year in both the U-20 Six Nations and World Rugby U-20 Championship.
The Galwegians RFC trio of Cormac Brennan, Conor Kyne and Conor Lowndes have also been recruited, while hooker Pat O’Toole, who played for Connacht Eagles last season, joins from ‘Wegians’ local rivals Corinthians.
Cormac Brennan (Galwegians RFC) – Back-Three
Conor Kyne (Galwegians RFC) – Loosehead Prop
Conor Lowndes (Galwegians RFC) – Scrum Half
Stephen McVeigh (Buccaneers RFC) – Back Rower
Conan O’Donnell (Sligo RFC) – Tighthead Prop
Pat O’Toole (Corinthians RFC) – Hooker
Cian Romaine (Buccaneers RFC) – Lock
Speaking about the upcoming season and new crop of players, Connacht Academy Manager Nigel Carolan said: “It’s great to have such a talented group of players coming into the Academy for the coming season. They were all members of the Sub-Academy system last year so they know what we’re about and the sacrifices that are required in pursuit of their goals of becoming professional rugby players.
“The aim of the Connacht Academy is to produce future winning professional rugby players for Connacht who will go on to play for Ireland.
“We are delighted that Robbie (Henshaw) and Kieran (Marmion) are achieving success at national level, but it’s also great for Eoghan, Ultan and Caolin to have their hard work rewarded with promotion to the Connacht pro team this year. We want to see more and more Academy graduates playing for Connacht and Ireland.”
NUIG CONNACHT RUGBY ACADEMY – 2015/16 PANEL:
YEAR 3
James Connolly – Back Rower
Jamie Dever – Tighthead Prop
Saba Meunargia – Tighthead Prop
Rory Moloney – Back Rower
Sean O’Brien – Back Rower/Lock
Rory Parata – Centre
Jacob Walshe – Loosehead Prop
YEAR 2
Shane Delahunt – Hooker
Jack Dinneen – Hooker
Ciaran Gaffney – Back-Three
Marc Kelly – Back Rower
Conor McKeon – Out-Half
Peter Robb – Centre
YEAR 1
Cormac Brennan – Back-Three
Conor Kyne – Loosehead Prop
Conor Lowndes – Scrum Half
Stephen McVeigh – Back Rower
Conan O’Donnell – Tighthead Prop
Pat O’Toole – Hooker
Cian Romaine – Lock