Connacht make third new prop signing ahead of next season

Tight-head prop Thomas Connolly will return to his home province Connacht ahead of next season after signing for the Galway-based outfit.

Connolly, who converted to prop from lock during his days at Dublin University Football Club, 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 and fellow prop Jerry Cahir.

He played for Leinster A in his days as a pharmaceutical student, but has yet to make the breakthrough to United Rugby Championship level, having continued to play for Old Belvedere in the Energia All-Ireland League, as well as short spells last season for both the Connacht Eagles during the IRFU ‘A’ Interprovincial Championship, and Cornish Pirates in the Premiership Rugby Cup.

“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,” he said.

In addition to Connolly and Leinster man Cahir, Connacht have signed Francois van Wyk from Bath on the loose-head side of the scrum.

Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster knows Connolly from their time together at Leinster and believes he has a lot of potential.

“Thomas’s arrival adds further depth at tight-head next season, so we have a nice blend of youth and experience in that position,” said Lancaster.

“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.”