2025/26 Academy Squad Announced

Connacht Rugby Academy Manager Eric Elwood has today confirmed a 16-man Academy squad for the 2025/26 season. 

This year’s squad includes an intake of eight players into Year 1 of the programme. Coming through the Connacht pathway system to take their place in the squad is Carrick-on Shannon’s Diarmaid O’Connell (Corinthians RFC / Sligo Grammar) and Galway duo Bobby Power (Galwegians RFC / The Jes) and Sean Walsh (Corinthians RFC / Coláiste Éinde), while a further five players have joined the province.

All four of last year’s Year 1 players – Billy Bohan, Tomás Farthing, Max Flynn and Éanna McCarthy – have moved up to Year 2.

This season’s four Year 3 representatives have all progressed from Year 2, minus Finn Treacy who signed a Professional contract earlier in the summer. They are Fiachna Barrett, Seán Naughton, James Nicholson and Matthew Victory.

CONNACHT RUGBY ACADEMY SQUAD 2025/26

Year 1

Aaron O’Brien – Back Row
Diarmaid O’Connell – Back Row
Conor O’Shaughnessy – Out-Half
Bobby Power – Back Row
Daniel Ryan – Back Three
David Walsh – Lock/Back Row
Seán Walsh – Centre
Mikey Yarr - Hooker

Year 2

Billy Bohan – Loosehead Prop
Tomás Farthing – Scrum-Half
Max Flynn – Back Row
Éanna McCarthy – Back Row 

Year 3

Fiachna Barrett – Tighthead Prop
Seán Naughton – Out-Half
James Nicholson – Back Three
Matthew Victory - Hooker

• academy