More pictures from defense coach Mike Forshaw's wrestling technique session and from his pitch session which took a novel approach to dealing with reaction speeds and unpredictable movement using old tractor tyres.

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

Not even the July rain could get in the way of training at the Sportsground on Thursday as Eric Elwood and his coaching staff put the players through some more rigorous pre-season training. With building work on the new stand carrying on all around there were plenty of distractions but the players mantained their focus and got on with the task at hand! More pictures of the developments at the Sportsground will follow shortly:

All pictures (C) www.inpho.ie/James Crombie

Niall O'Connor gets his hands on the ball

Connacht legends Michael Swift and Johnny O'Connor during training at the Sportsground

Galway native prop Jamie Stephens supports Samoan centre Henry Fa'afili

Hooker Adrian Flavin looks for the offload during training at the Sportsground on Thursday

all pics (C) www.inpho.ie/James Crombie

Connacht Rugby were back at training this week and here are a few snaps from the gym and pitch sessions earlier today:

Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach Jim Molony keeping an eye on the players as they warm up

Eoin Griffin & James Loxton (with Henry Fa'afili and Matthew Jarvis in background)

Jim Molony puts the players through their paces on the indoor running track in the gym at The Sportsground

Connacht players making their way off the training pitch at The Sportsground earlier today

Galway born and bred Dave Nolan and Andrew Browne displaying some silky handling skills

Henry Fa'afili, George Naoupu, (Miah Nikora) and Rodney Ah You relax pitchside after training