Connacht launch academy
Connacht Rugby have officially luanched their new Academy with the contracting of six players to the elite player development programme where it is hoped over the next three years they will develop into full time professionals with Connacht Rugby.
There are two levels within the Provincial Academy Structure. Academy Level 1 is for players aged between 16 and 18 and Academy Level 2 is for players aged between 19 amd 23.
Five of the players on the Academy played for Connacht U21's this season and last weekend all five travelled to Paris with the preliminary Irish U21 Squad.
They are:
1. Eamon Bracken - a prop from Tullamore who currently plays with Buccanneers in the AIB League Division 1.
2. Trevor Richardson - from Carrigallen in County Leitrim, who played at number eight for Connacht and plays his club rugby with Buccaneers.
3. Ronan Loughney - Connacht under 21 captain from Galway city who played at prop with Corinthians before moving to Limerick to play with UL Bohemians
4. Daniel Riordan - from Corinthians who plays at full back for club and province.
5. Michael Diffley - a prop from County Roscommon who played with Creggs before moving to Buccaneers.
6. Colin Finnerty from Buccaneers who plays at seven and has been involved with the Buccaneers senior side for the past two season. He is 23 and from Tullamore.
