8 years ago 
Connacht Rugby is delighted to announce the recruitment of two new players to the Connacht Academy.
Manager Nigel Carolan has bolstered his Academy to 20 players with the signing of Caolin Blade and Eoghan Masterson.
Scrumhalf Caolin Blade was involved with Ireland Under-19s this summer and has also represented his country at U18’s level. The 19-year-old from Monivea, who attended Presentation College Athenry, comes from a family of scrum halves. His father Pat wore the number nine jersey for Monivea RFC and his brother Darren currently plays scrum half with the junior club in Galway.
Eoghan Masterson joins the Academy as a backrow forward. Hailing from Portlaoise, where he attended CBS, the 20-year-old represented Ireland U20s in the 2013 6 Nations game v Scotland. While his mother is from Westport, it is his Scottish father that enabled Masterson to also represent Scotland U20s in last summer’s Junior World Championship.
Commenting on the latest recruits, Academy Manager Nigel Carolan said:
“I’m delighted to officially integrate the two lads into our Academy programme. Both players have earned this promotion through their hard work and effort.
“Eoghan and Caolin have played for the Eagles already and they really impressed me with their performances and attitude.
“They have a really good knowledge of the game and are both fantastic leaders on the field in their own right. I believe they have huge potential in the professional game.”
Connacht Academy 2013/14:
YEAR 3
- Jack Carty Outhalf
- Conor Finn Centre
- Shane Layden Back Three
- Tadhg Leader Centre
YEAR 2
- Finlay Bealham Loose-Head Prop
- Ultan Dillane Lock
- Darragh Leader Back Three
- Steve Macauley Back Three
- Peter Reilly Tight-Head Prop
- Marcus Walsh Scrumhalf
YEAR 1
- Caolin Blade Scrumhalf
- James Connolly Back Row
- Conor Kindegran Lock
- Eoghan Masterson Back Row
- Saba Meunargia Tight-Head Prop
- Rory Moloney Back Row
- Sean O’Brien Back Row/Lock
- David Panter Back Three
- Rory Parata Centre
- Jacob Walsh Loose-Head Prop
