Connacht secure quartet

Connacht have secured the futures of four important players as the club looks to fend off interest in their top stars following another mediocre season in the Magners League. The Irish club will have scrum half Dave Moore and second-row Dave Gannon in their ranks for at least an extra year after the duo signed 12-month extensions.

Paul O’Donohoe will continue to battle it out with Moore for the scrum-half jersey after signing a two-year extension to his current deal, with centre Kyle Tonetti also committing himself to the club for another 24 months.

The youngster has been a key part to Connacht’s backline since his move from Sale last year and the club were desperately keen to tie down the talented centre. The same can be said of that of Tonetti’s former Ireland Under-20 team-mate O’Donohoe, who has also been impressive in a side that has, at times, looked a dangerous team this season. However, their latest odds reflect an inconsistency that had dogged their season.

The online betting markets had tipped a number of the club’s young players to leave, with the top side’s circling, but the news of these new deals will be a huge boost to the club and their supporters.

Connacht’s head coach Eric Elwood worked with both youngsters in that Under-20 squad and has admitted his delight at the duo agreeing new deals. The coach was also pleased with securing his two scrum-halves to new contracts, making it clear the competition at nine could only help the team.

“Competition for the scrum-half jersey has been fierce this season and that has brought out the best in the players so it's great to have Paul and Dave Moore, along with Frank Murphy, competing in that position,” said Elwood.

“Kyle has been outstanding for us in the centre in both attack and defence and Dave Gannon provides us with a range of options in the forwards, he has really shown his versatility playing in both the second-row and back-row so we're delighted to have him on board as well.”