Connacht captain Jarrad Butler has agreed a new contract extension with the province.
The back-row has signed a two-year deal, which will extend his stay to seven year.
Having first moved to the westerners in 2017, Butler has firmly established himself as one of their key players.
He has made 90 appearances in all and was the Players' Player of the Year in 2017.
Butler then assumed the captaincy following the departure of John Muldoon.
The 30-year-old has international experience at underage level with Australia, playing up to under-20 level.
He also made one appearance for the Barbarians.
Butler played with the Brumbies in Super Rugby - as well as the Reds - before moving to the northern hemisphere.
With his 100th cap now coming into view, Butler is likely to remain as a key part of Connacht's plans in the coming years.
He'll be in situ until at least the end of the 2023/24 season.
“Jarrad has all the qualities you look for in a club captain," Friend said.
"He leads by his actions on and off the field, and commands the respect of his fellow players.
"I’m delighted that he has chosen to stay at Connacht in what will be a really exciting period for everyone at the club.”
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