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Connacht Rugby are pleased to announce a further new arrival to the playing squad next season, with the signing of tighthead prop Thomas Connolly.
A native of Kinvarra Co. Galway, Connolly came through the ranks at Galwegians RFC and represented Connacht at underage level, featuring for the U19s in 2018 alongside future teammates Shane Jennings and new signing Jerry Cahir. He continued his rugby development at Dublin University Football Club while in college, during which time he represented Leinster ‘A’.
Since then he has continued to play for Old Belvedere in the Energia All-Ireland League, and last season lined out for both the Connacht Eagles during the IRFU ‘A’ Interprovincial Championship, and Cornish Pirates in last season’s Premiership Rugby Cup.
Thomas Connolly says:
I’m absolutely thrilled to be signing with my home province, especially at such an exciting time for the club. From the outside it’s clear that there’s been huge strides made on and off the pitch, and I can’t wait to play my part in helping us build on that next season. I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates, the coaches and wider staff, and get started in pre-season.
Connacht Rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster says:
Thomas’s arrival adds further depth at tighthead next season, so we have a nice blend of youth and experience in that position. It’s important that Connacht recognises local talent, and Thomas is another example of someone who came through the pathway system to get to where he is today. I worked with him at Leinster and can see the huge potential in him and we will look forward to welcoming him back to his home province next season.
