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Connacht confirm 9 players are leaving, including the son of a 1989 Lions tour pick
By Sam Smith
Irish Guinness PRO14 outfit Connacht have confirmed that nine players are leaving the club following the completion of their Rainbow Cup campaign with last Friday's 26-19 home win over Ospreys.
The identity of three Connacht departures was already known as Ireland international Quinn Roux, the second row from South Africa who qualified under residency, gave notice of his exit last month, most likely to Toulon in the Top 14.
Other developments last month were the injury-enforced retirement of Stephen Fitzgerald and the decision by young midfielder Sean O'Brien to link up with defending Gallagher Premiership champions Exeter.
Connacht have now confirmed that six other players are departing the Andy Friend-run team, including Conor Dean. A son of former Ireland out-half Paul, who toured Australia with the Lions in 1989, Dean was promoted to a senior contract last summer after a stint in the Connacht academy.
A statement from the club on Tuesday read: "Connacht can confirm the players that will depart the club at the end of the season. As previously announced, Quinn Roux has moved on after seven years at Connacht, Stephen Fitzgerald has announced his retirement from rugby due to injury, and academy centre Sean O’Brien has joined Exeter Chiefs.
"Conor Dean, Colm de Buitlear, Cillian Gallagher, Conor Kenny, Stephen Kerins and Paddy McAllister will also be departing the club. Connacht are continuing to shape the professional squad for next season and further announcements will be made in due course."
Connacht boss Friend added: “There will always be comings and goings in professional rugby. I’d like to wish all the players every success in the future, whether they are looking to further their playing careers or go down a new path. They have made a lot of sacrifices, particularly in the last year while we as a group dealt with the pandemic, so I thank them for that also. They will always be welcomed back to The Sportsground.”
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Latest Comments
No just because the personal is much better than last year. I've shown no antagonism of Crusader players, you must be confusing me with someone else.
I have critized Razor for picking players he knows occasionally?
I said I'm not surprised because of his style, he's more a grinder player like Cane, not going to show up on peoples radar until you see how bad the other choices are. This year players like Clarke have been on fire and just show a bit more.
Are you one of those posters continually taking it easy on Razor because he doesn't have his Crusaders stars available? Do you think the rugby world is going to up to him suddenly once Mo'unga returns? lol
Go to commentsJohn you have been beating this drum for a couple of years, if you get proven right get back to us.
The last recent and decent Aussie coach was Ewen McKenzie, he was undermined and forced out by a couple of slimy Aussie players who were given a free pass when they should have been disciplined.
So our history since McQueen is very checkered and it seems to make little difference whether we have an Aussie coach or a Kiwi coach. The players have been entitled for a long time and we had to hit bottom to get them back into reality and to stop thinking it is all about them.
Cheika was an OK coach but his 'go our and destroy the opposition' tactic worked for a while and then didn't.
Please give me a list of great Aussie coaches that I have missed.
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