It was another day of mixed news for Connacht Rugby with the announcement of a new signing, three new injuries and four contract extensions.
This morning it was announced that Sean O’Brien, James Connolly, Peter Robb and Caolin Blade had all extended their contracts. The four Academy graduates will continue to play at the Sportsground until at least the summer of 2018. It was also announced that 22-year-old Ukrainian-born prop Ivan Soroka has accepted a professional contract for 2016/17 having been on trial during the summer from Clontarf RFC.
Head Coach Pat Lam said
“It is vital that we hold on to young players like these who have come through our Academy to the senior set up and demonstrated that they have the talent and the right attitude to perform on and off the pitch. These four young men certainly showed their potential by playing a big part in the success of last season”
Speaking about the signing of Ivan Soroka Pat Lam said “Like Niyi (Adeolokun) a few years ago, we gave him a chance to come straight in from club rugby on a trial and he has shown that he has the potential and drive to succeed in a professional set up. It’s a great opportunity for him.”
And the bad news…
This afternoon the Connacht Rugby medical team announced that Roscommon’s Denis Buckley, Hooker Tom McCartney and wing Matt Healy would all miss Friday’s Guinness PRO12 game at home to Ulster. Denis Buckley sustained a knee injury in the round 5 fixture and was seen leaving the ground on crutches. Tom McCartney sustained a hamstring injury in the game and is awaiting the results of a scan to determine the extent of the injury. Meanwhile, Matt Healy fractured his hand early in the same game and will see a specialist this week to determine the length of his recovery.
Friday’s game, in the Sportsgrounds, kicks off at 7:35pm and will also be live on TV.