CONNACHT HAVE TODAY been able to commit more young talent to their books with new contacts awarded to three young half-backs.
Dubliner John Cooney is one of that trio having agreed to make his loan move from Leinster permanent for next season.
Cooney in action for Connacht Eagles against Germany. Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO
24-year-old Cooney will remain at the Sportsground until at least 2016, moving across the Shannon on a full-time basis with 27 Leinster and five Connacht appearances under his belt.
Competition in both half-back slots is already fierce in the western province. Cooney is contesting the number nine jersey not only with Kieran Marmion, but also with Galway native Caolin Blade, 20, who has also signed professional terms for next season.
Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
Blade joins the exciting playmaking out-half Jack Carty in signing a two-year contract. The number 10 has already displayed his talents regularly in the Pro12 and Challenge Cup with 16 starts since his first full cap against Leinster 12 months ago.
“Jack is making big progress in his development,” head coach Pat Lam said in today’s statement.
As for his number nines, Lam is aiming to have three scrum-halves game-ready and competing for a jersey behind Marmion.
“With Kieran Marmion likely to be with Ireland more and more over the coming months, it was vital that we had plans in place to ensure we have a squad comprising of four quality scrum-halves.
“Caolin is a very exciting prospect whose talents were on show in abundance away to Bayonne in December. We’re also very pleased that John Cooney has enjoyed his loan period with us this season and sees an opportunity here with us to further his own game and career. I have no doubt that he will continue to push hard for game time in what is a very competitive position in our squad.”
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