Connors signs for Connacht and new Munster contract for Loughman
Donadea's Will Connors has signed a two-year deal with Connacht. Photo: INPHO/Tom Maher
Today was a big day for two of Kildare's elite rugby players, Will Connors and Jeremy Loughman.
After weeks of speculation, Connacht Rugby announced that they have completed the signing of Donadea man Connors, who comes in on a two-year deal.
The 29-year-old flanker will depart Leinster at the end of the season having played for his native province since 2018 after two years in the Leinster Academy and a year in the Sub-Academy.
Having impressed at provincial level, Connors was called up to the Ireland squad in 2020 and made his debut under Andy Farrell against Italy in that year's Six Nations.
Speculation began as soon as Stuart Lancaster took over at Connacht that he would try to lure several of the players that he had worked with during his seven-year spell at Leinster. Ciaran Frawley was first to make the move, with Connors jumping ship now as well - despite both starting for Leinster in the inter-pro between the two sides this past weekend.
The Kildare man enjoyed the best period of his career under Lancaster's tutelage and everyone involved will be hopeful that he can return to that form. Having won the last of his nine international caps as long ago as 2021, Connors will be hoping the transfer can help him climb back up the Irish pecking order in time for next year's World Cup.
“I’ve had a fantastic 9 seasons with Leinster, and am very grateful for all that was achieved in that time," Connors said.
"I look forward to finishing the season strongly before making the move West in the summer and joining up with a really exciting and talented group. After chatting to Stuart and the team, it’s clear there’s enormous ambition in the club to be successful in the years ahead.
"Connacht is a proud rugby province, which I experienced first-hand in Saturday’s game at Dexcom Stadium. The atmosphere there was electric on what was clearly a very special night for the club, and I’m eager to contribute to that renowned connection between the fans and the team.”
Head Coach Stuart Lancaster spoke highly of his latest acquisition: “I’ve seen Will’s ability first-hand and I know he’ll be another big asset to Connacht next season.
"His tackling ability and defensive work rate is well known, but he has real attacking strengths too which I am looking forward to developing. He also has a positive personality who brings great energy to the group and real potential as a leader."
News also emerged from Munster this afternoon, with the province announcing that Athy prop Jeremy Loughman had put pen to paper on a new two-year deal that will see him through to 2028.
The news comes in the wake of Andy Farrell selecting Loughman in his squad for the upcoming Six Nations, with the Kildare man in line for a potential start against France in the championship opener in Paris.
Loughman made his Ireland debut against Fiji in November 2022 and played against Romania in the 2023 World Cup, but his last cap came against Italy during the 2024 Six Nations over two years ago.
He joined Munster in December 2017 from the Leinster Academy and made his debut against Ulster on New Year's Day 2018. Loughman established himself as a key member of the squad since, scoring six tries in his 127 appearances so far.
The 30-year-old has impressed for Munster as of late and finds himself back on the cusp of wearing the green jersey.
