Connacht extends 5 players

Connacht has confirmed the contract extensions of young Connacht players Sean O'Brien, James Connolly, Peter Robb and Caolin Blade. The four Academy graduates, who are part of the senior set up this season, will continue to play at the Sportsground until at least the summer of 2018.

In addition, 22-year-old Ukrainian-born prop Ivan Soroka has accepted a professional contract for 2016/17 having been on trial during the summer from Clontarf RFC.

"I have always said that retention is a very important part of what we do," commented Head Coach Pat Lam.

"It is vital that we hold on to young players like these who have come through our Academy to the senior set up and demonstrated that they have the talent and the right attitude to perform on and off the pitch. These young men certainly showed their potential by playing a big part in the success of last season."