New deals for Connacht youngsters

Editor

Connacht have confirmed the deal extensions of five of its current crop of young players.

Connacht have confirmed the contract extensions of five of its current crop of young players – Darragh Leader, Conor Finn, Finlay Bealham, David Heffernan and Daniel Qualter.

The Connacht Academy has produced another group of professional players with the promotion of Leader, Finn and Bealham to the senior squad on one-year deals.

In addition, last year's graduates, Heffernan and Qualter, have also signed a 12-month extension on their current deals with the senior squad.

The latest contracts make it 15 Connacht players who have committed their future to the province in recent months.

“It's fantastic that we will have these local-born and Irish qualified young men fully integrated into the senior squad next season,” said head coach Pat Lam.

“Jack Carty was given the promotion earlier in the season and it's great to be able to bring Finlay, Darragh and Conor on board now.

“I've seen first-hand the work ethic and the commitment from these boys who are constantly striving to improve their game and themselves.

“We know that they are all capable of stepping up to the next level when needed. If they continue to work hard, I have no doubt that they will go from strength to strength in the coming months.

“Our Academy, under Nigel (Carolan), has proven to be very profitable in identifying and developing young talent for the good of the Connacht and Irish teams and the latest four graduates are testament to that.”