Connacht lock down 'ultimate professional' Roux to new deal

Connacht's South African-born second row Quinn Roux has signed a two-year contract extension up to the end of the 2020/21 season. He has made 85 appearances so far for the province and won six Ireland caps during his time in Galway.

Roux previously played for the Stormers, Western Province and Leinster. He joined Connacht initially on a loan deal in 2014 before signing a full-time contract in 2015. The 27-year-old was a central figure in Connacht's PRO12 title win in 2016 and made his Ireland debut on the tour to South Africa in the same year.

Connacht head coach Andy Friend was delighted to get the deal done.

"Quinn has been a massive player for Connacht. He is the ultimate professional and is unrelenting in his preparation and his attention to detail," he said.

"As one of the established players in the squad he is leading by example both on and off the field. His signing is another huge boost for us and I have no doubt that Quinn will be a key player for us in the seasons ahead."

Roux also welcomed the news: "I am delighted to be extending my contract with Connacht. I've enjoyed my time in the Sportsground and believe that we are capable of bringing further success to the province in the seasons ahead.

"My time here has also led to my international debut with Ireland which I am hugely proud of. I'm looking forward to the next two seasons with Connacht and hope to continue to establish myself as a part of the Ireland squad."

It's the latest bit of positive news to come out of the club, earlier this month they announced historic redevelopment plans for the Sportsground Stadium which will see the Irish province more than double their current capacity.

The development will cost in the region of €30m and will have a capacity of 12,000 spectators.

Watch: Footage of the Connacht's Sportsground, which is to get a €30m redevelopment