2026/27 Academy Squad Confirmed

Connacht Rugby can today confirm an 18-man Academy squad for the 2026/27 season.

This year’s squad includes an intake of eight players into Year 1 of the programme, four of whom have come through the Connacht pathway system. They are Galway full-back Cian Brady and back rower Charlie Keane, Mayo prop Rory Lyons, and Leitrim lock and Spain U20 international Liam McNamee.

Also joining the Academy is hooker Duinn Maguire, props Adam Cooper and Luke Murtagh, and completing the Year 1 intake is South African-born centre Rourke O’Sullivan who joined the programme mid-way through last season.

Eight of last season’s nine Year 1 players have progressed into Year 2, four of whom – Albert Lindner, Daniel Ryan, Sean Walsh and Mikey Yarr – have already earned senior Connacht appearances.

Back rowers Aaron O’Brien, Diarmaid O’Connell and Bobby Power, plus lock David Walsh, complete the Year 2 players.

Corinthians flanker Max Flynn has progressed into Year 3, and he’ll be joined by back three player James Nicholson who missed all of last season with a foot injury.

Connacht Rugby Academy Squad 2026/27

YEAR 1

Cian Brady – Back Three
Adam Cooper – Loosehead Prop
Charlie Keane – Back Row
Rory Lyons – Loosehead Prop
Duinn Maguire - Hooker
Liam McNamee - Lock
Luke Murtagh – Tighthead Prop
Rourke O’Sullivan – Centre

YEAR 2

Albert Lindner – Scrum-Half
Aaron O’Brien – Back Row
Diarmaid O’Connell – Back Row
Bobby Power – Back Row
Daniel Ryan – Back Three
David Walsh – Lock
Seán Walsh – Centre
Mikey Yarr – Hooker

YEAR 3

Max Flynn – Back Row
James Nicholson – Back Three

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