EOIN McKEON AND Darragh Leader have both been handed new contracts by Connacht.
Ahead of this Saturday’s Guinness Pro12 clash with Scarlets, it has been announced this afternoon that the Galway pair will extended their stays with their native province — although the length of their new deals wasn’t specified.
McKeon, a back-row forward who made his Connacht debut in April 2010, has made 105 appearances for the province and was man-of-the-match in last month’s win over Zebre.
The 25-year-old has played in 20 of Connacht’s 26 games this season, chipping in with tries against Ospreys and Edinburgh.
Leader has returned to full training this week after enduring a frustrating year with injuries. The 23-year-old has been sidelined with hand and hamstring problems.
A graduate of Connacht’s academy, the versatile back debuted for the province in October 2012 against the Ospreys, which was his first of 51 appearances.
“The contract extensions of local-born players Eoin and Darragh is great news for Connacht Rugby and our supporters. We are really pleased with how our retention plan is taking shape for next season and beyond,” said Connacht CEO Willie Ruane.
“Eoin is part of a highly competitive forward pack here at Connacht and he is comfortable playing across the back row, as evidenced this season. His agility and athletic ball carrying ability continues to grow game after game.
“While Darragh has been unfortunate with injury over the last year, he has shown his determination and mental hunger to come back from disappointment. While his strength lies at fullback, he has shown his versatility by switching to wing and centre on different occasions.
“His goal-kicking abilities, especially from long range, have also been called upon in the past. We hope to see him back in a Connacht jersey very soon.”
