CONNACHT RUGBY HAVE secured the services of club captain Cian Prendergast, who has signed a new three-year contract, keeping him at the club until at least 2028.
Prendergast was appointed captain by head coach Pete Wilkins at the start of the season, after continuing to impress on and off the field since his arrival at Connacht in 2020.
Signed initially to the Connacht Academy, he made his Professional debut away to Edinburgh in October 2020, the first of ten appearances that year.
He signed his first professional contract the following season and cemented his place in the starting team, starting in 20 of the club’s 24 matches that season. His performances also earned him a senior Irish debut against Fiji during the 2022 Autumn Nations Series – the first of three caps for his country so far.
This season he has assumed the leadership role of the playing squad, supported by vice-captains Dave Heffernan and Joe Joyce and the wider leadership team, and last week was named in the Ireland squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series.
Speaking to the club’s media channels, Prendergast stated, “I’m thrilled to be committing my future to Connacht for a further three years. I’ve enjoyed every minute since arriving four years ago, and with the new stadium and HPC on the way there’s a very exciting future ahead.
“I can’t wait to play my part in that and represent the people of Connacht for at least another three seasons, and give them the success we believe is possible.”
Head coach Pete Wilkins added, “Keeping Cian at Connacht for three more seasons is massive news for the club.
“He’s a natural leader who raises standards every day, on and off the field, and inspires those around him. His continual drive for self-improvement means that at just 24 the best years of his career are still ahead of him, so I’m delighted that he’ll be wearing the green of Connacht in that time.”
Hope he gets some game time during the autumn internationals, he’s a great player and like his brother has a massive skill ceiling and is constantly improving. He could be a key player at the next WC as Josh, Pete etc all getting on
@J M: not sure he’s an international
@J M: Agree, he’s a great player. There’s no shortage of competition in the backrow for Ireland so it’s hard to know if he’ll end up being a regular but I certainly wouldn’t rule him out
@Gary Galligan: maybe watch him play then. He’s three time capped and provincial captain at 24. Should be starting at eight for Connacht, with Boyle moved to six, way more of a baller. Ceiling is massive for this lad, and getting a three year deal offer when Connacht’s funds are tight because of the reduced crowds due to stadium redevelopment is a massive vote of confidence from the Province, and the IRFU who have to sign off on the offer…
Attaboy. Great player who gives his all to the province.
Great to hear, he has really stepped into the leadership role, undoubtedly mentored by Muldoon
I remember his first games he was just non stop tenacious is his tackling his skill levels were clear to see and he annoyed so many refs haha but it was the dogged fight in him that caught my attention and now he has polished his skills and become very together in his approach he is a natural Connacht captain and will become another out West legend.
As a munster fan, I think Prendergast is outstanding. I would love to see him in the green of Ireland, but I think he needs to nail down a specific position rather than being a jack of all trades. Of the games iv seen him, i think 6 is his best position but will Connacht play him there regularly?
Rowntree is gone. The 42 first for breaking news as ever.
@Carmine Lorenzo: surely this comment wont age like milk…..
@Carmine Lorenzo: Poor Cian… timed his news terribly! Deserves his contract though and great that we can continue keeping talent in Ireland.
@Paul Ennis: Yeah really like him as a player.
Kildare supplying top level rugby players all across the country
Great news for Connacht securing his future.
Leinster should have scooped him up, potential replacement for Conan. I also think hes more consistent and less injury prone than Baird
@Owen ODonoghue: different players entirely. Prendo’s really an eight playing at six (adept at both, but naturally an eight), whereas Baird is a loose head lock who only plays at six because he’s too talented not to get games…
@Owen ODonoghue: It wasn’t Baird who kept him out of the Leinster academy, it was Soroka.