Copeland moves West and duo are handed extensions
It might be a quiet week on the pitch for Connacht, but it has been anything but off the pitch with the province dishing out five new contracts, including the addition of a new face for next season – and the province has moved closer to adding a new overseas player for 2018/19.
The big news this week was the capture of Robin Copeland from Munster, a move widely expected once the back-row forward announced he would be leaving Munster, and John Muldoon announced his retirement from Connacht.
The Wexford native (30) has made more than 60 appearances for Munster in his four seasons at the southern province, while he also lined out 53 times for Cardiff in his two seasons at the Welsh outfit.
Capped once by Ireland – against Georgia in 2014 – he joins Connacht on a two-year contract, and says he is looking forward to a new challenge in his career.
“I have been really impressed with what has been achieved in Connacht and I am determined to be part of further success there. The club is well known for the importance it places on community and I look forward to representing them when I join up with the squad next season,” he said.
The province has tied down Eoghan Masterson to a new two-year contract, which will bring him to the end of the 2019/20 season. The Portlaoise man has featured 22 times for Connacht this season, including captaining the province in their Challenge Cup game at home to Worcester in October, and he says he is delighted to have signed a contract extension.
“I’m absolutely delighted to extend my contract with Connacht. I am very proud of my connections with the West of Ireland and very grateful to have come through the academy system in Connacht< he said.
Matt Healy, who recently became Connacht’s record try scorer, has also been handed a contract extension, extending his stay until 2019/20 as well.
For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.