Five Connacht players have signed new deals with the province.
In-form flanker Conor Oliver, centre Tom Farrell, and full-back Oran McNulty have signed two-year deals, while scrum-half Caolin Blade and hooker Dylan Tierney-Martin have extended their stays by a single year.
“I’m really pleased that the five men have all agreed to continue their time here at Connacht," said head coach, Andy Friend.
"They’re each at different stages of their careers – Caolin is a Connacht native who has come through the system to become a centurion which is a testament to the type of player he is, Tom and Conor are heading into the prime of their careers and will keep getting better, and Oran and Dylan are still starting out on their journeys and will continue to develop and grow."
🗣 "It's the best it has been since I've been here." 🏉@ashoreilly speaks to Connacht head coach Andy Friend about their @ChampionsCup_ clash v Leicester. 🏆
Rugby with @VodafoneIreland #TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/zEBW5nFB1f— Off The Ball (@offtheball) January 11, 2022
News of the quintet's extensions follows similar deals for the likes of Jack Carty and Finlay Bealham.
Oliver's made 30 appearances following his arrival from Munster in 2020, and his eight outings this season have led to talk of a potential Ireland call-up.
Farrell pitched up at the Sportsground in 2017 after a spell at Bedford, and has become a home favourite during his 62 appearances.
McNulty's first try of his Connacht career came in this season's impressive United Rugby Championship win over the Ospreys.
Despite finally making his international breakthrough in last summer's win over the United States, Blade has only put pen-to-paper on a one-year extension.
Tierney-Martin has proved a useful addition to the province's front row, following his graduation through the Connacht pathway system.
Friend added, "We’re building something really positive at Connacht Rugby and today’s news reaffirms that for us.
"Our contracting is progressing very well and we’ll be making further announcements in the coming weeks.”
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