Connacht re-sign quartet

Connacht and the IRFU have announced that JP Cooney, Shane Delahunt, Steve Crosbie and Tom Farrell have all signed contracts extensions.

With five seasons at the Sportsground under his belt, 27-year-old prop Cooney, who can play on both sides of the scrum, has further extended his stay. The Tipperary man featured in 22 games for the province this season and made his 50th appearance against Munster at Thomond Park earlier this month.

Delahunt made 11 appearances in his debut season as a member of the senior squad and started in the highly competitive number two jersey on four occasions. The 24-year-old, who graduated from the Connacht Academy last summer, now has 27 caps to his name. A former Kilkenny College captain, Delahunt represented Ireland at U20 level in 2014.

24-year-old fly-half Crosbie, who can also play in midfield, joined Connacht in January of this year, following a short stint with Munster. The former Ireland U20s player has featured in three PRO12 games for Connacht this year and kicked 17 points (six from six) in April’s 22-19 win away to Edinburgh.

The province has further boosted its options at midfield with the contract extension of 23-year-old Farrell. The former Bedford Blues player also joined the province in early 2017 and has made nine appearances since his arrival. Farrell has represented Ireland at U19 and U20 level.

Commenting on the latest contract news, Connacht CEO Willie Ruane said: "Our squad is taking shape for next season and we’re delighted with the level of retention in the senior ranks. To have continuity up front in the shape of JP and Shane is a great boost and we are excited by what Steve and Tom can add to the squad having only joined us earlier in the year.

"Recruitment remains ongoing as we look to finalise the makeup of our squad for next season."