Connacht Rugby have today announced the signing of Leinster academy prop Stewart Maguire on a two-year contract. Born in Bristol, Maguire went to St. Josephs College in Newport and represented Wales at under 16 and under 18 level while in the Dragons academy.  The 6’5” 130kg tight-head prop joined Leinster two years ago and to date has made 11 appearances for the provinces ‘A’ side, including seven in the British and Irish Cup. Maguire has also represented Ireland at under 20 level and was a member of the side that played in last year’s under 20 world Cup in Argentina, where he played with Connacht trio Eoin Griffin, Tiernan O’Halloran and Denis Buckley.  This season he has also helped his club Old Belvedere challenge for Ulster Bank League honours.

Speaking about his new deal, Maguire commented:

"I am delighted as well as excited to be joining Connacht this summer on a two year deal.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my 2 years at Leinster, where the coaching staff have improved my fitness and level of play enormously, and helped me to be an important part of Ireland U20 side last season. However, I feel that I now need exposure to regular rugby at a higher level, and Connacht's coaching staff convinced me that I can have a big role to play in their match day squad next season".

Connacht Assistant and Forwards Coach Dan McFarland also commented;
“We’re really looking forward to working with Stewart, he has good potential as a scrummager and is a dynamic ball carrier, having played well for the Ireland U20s last season. He has not been able to get senior game-time at Leinster and is coming here with a real point to prove. We believe we can offer him the best possible opportunity to showcase his talents. We are confident he will fit comfortably into our set-up as we build our squad for next season.”

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