The Connacht Academy have announced their squad for the season 2011-12

The Connacht Rugby Academy is a program that identifies and develops indigenous players with potential to play for Connacht and Ireland. Players such as Ronan Loughney, Andrew Browne, David Nolan, Dermot Murphy and Eoin Griffin have graduated through this system into the professional ranks in recent years. Eoin McKeon has made the step up this year.

This year’s inductees, sees the inclusion of Ireland U20 players Dave Heffernan, Kieran Marmion and Mick Kearney. Dave Heffernan from Ballina, went to school in Blackrock College, played with Connacht at U19 and U20 before getting the call-up to the Ireland U20 v France in the 6 Nations in 2011. Mick Kearney, a lock from Raheny in Dublin, played in all U20 6 Nations and Junior World Cup games. Kieran Marmion, from Brecon in Wales, who’s grandfather is from Loughrea, played with the Connacht A team v Enisei STM of Russia in April, before getting drafted into the Ireland U20 Squad for the Junior World Cup in Italy in June 2011.

Also contracted to the Academy are Ireland U19 players Jack Carty, an outhalf from Athlone playing for Buccaneers and Tadhg Leader, an Outhalf/Centre from Castlegar in Galway who went to school in the Bish. Shane Layden, from Carrick on Shannon and Conor Finn from Aughrim were both on the Cistercian College Roscrea team that lost out to Clongowes in the Leinster Schools Cup in March of this year.

This year sees former Connacht lock Jimmy Duffy join the Academy structure as Elite Player Development Officer. Speaking about Jimmy's appointment Academy Manager Nigel Caloran said:

"Having Jimmy on board is a huge addition to our setup. He bring a wealth of knowledge from his playing days as well as his exceptional coaching credantials and I am sure he can help us drive the Connacht Academy forward and help mould the stars of the future."

The Connacht Academy 2011-12

Pictured (above) playing for Cistercian College Roscrea in the Leinster Schools Cup Final Conor Finn

(below) Shane Layden playing for Cistercian College Roscrea in the Leinster Senior League Final this year

(C) www.inpho.ie