CONNACHT’S KIERAN MARMION may not have made the senior squad cut ahead of the November tests but he has been given a fitting consolation.
The scrumhalf has signed an extended IRFU contract that will keep him at Connacht until the summer of 2016 at least. The 21-year-old follows veteran Munster lock Donncha O’Callaghan in penning a new deal over the weekend.
The contract extension should finally end all speculation that Marmion might switch allegiances to Wales, the country of his birth. He was born in Brecon in 1992 but has extensive family links in Loughrea, Galway. He has played U18, U19 and U20 level for Ireland and was called up for the senior squad’s summer tour to North America without making an appearance against the USA or Canada.
Connacht coach Pat Lam said, “I’m delighted for Kieran and for Connacht Rugby that we have this new deal. Kieran is a fantastic player and a key member of our squad and it’s a real boost that he sees his continued development and future with the club he started his professional career with.
From day one, Kieran has impressed me with his attitude, work ethic and incredible maturity and I have no doubt that he will go on to achieve great things within Connacht and Irish rugby.”
Marmion was fast-tracked from year one of the Connacht Academy last season, after earning his first cap and start for the province against Cardiff Blues in the opening round of the Pro12. He went on to start every game of the season and was the sole Connacht squad member and only player in the league to do so.
Now with 36 caps beside his name, Marmion hasn’t missed a game for Connacht since his debut 14 months ago. He has scored three tries for the province this season, including a fine Heineken Cup score against Saracens.
His provincial form has been excellent this season and he was unfortunate to lose out to Eoin Reddan, Isaac Boss and Conor Murray in the Ireland squad, named last month by Joe Schmidt.
