CONNACHT HAVE COMPLETED their recruitment for the 2014/15 season with the addition of Trinity wing Niyi Adeolokun.
The 23-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the province and the IRFU, having recently completed his final exams at the Dublin university. Adeolokun has impressed for Trinity in the Ulster Bank League and with their sevens team in recent seasons.
A graduate of the De La Salle secondary school in Churchtown, the Dubliner has been playing with Dublin University FC since 2009. In that time, he helped the club to All-Ireland Sevens Championships in 2011 and 2012.
Adeolokun played for the Connacht Eagles against touring Russian side Enisei STM in April and is now preparing for fitness testing alongside the rest of the senior squad later this week.
Head coach Pat Lam is delighted to welcome the wing into the professional set-up in Galway:
“He is clearly a brilliant broken-field runner with very good pace but we were also very impressed with what he offers in defence. With his raw talent and athleticism, we’re looking forward to seeing how he performs in a professional set-up for the first time.
“When meeting with Niyi, I was struck by his maturity and also his unwavering determination to succeed after having overcome many challenges along the way. He is a good young man with excellent values and I know he will fit in very well to our team environment.”
Connacht Rugby Squad for 2014/15 season:
Props:
Ronan Loughney, Denis Buckley, Rodney Ah You, Nathan White, JP Cooney, Finlay BealhamHookers:
Jason Harris-Wright, Dave Heffernan, Sean Henry, Tom McCartneySecond Rows:
Mick Kearney, Aly Muldowney, Michael Swift, Danny Qualter, Quinn RouxBack Rowers:
Andrew Browne, Mata Fifita, Jake Heenan, Willie Faloon, Eoin McKeon, John Muldoon, George NaoupuScrum-halves:
Kieran Marmion, Ian Porter, John CooneyOut-halves:
Miah Nikora, Craig Ronaldson, Jack CartyCentres:
Robbie Henshaw, Dave McSharry, Conor Finn, Bundee Aki, Shane O’LearyWingers:
Fionn Carr, Matt Healy, Tiernan O’Halloran, Danie Poolman, Niyi AdeolokunFullbacks:
Mils Muliaina, Darragh Leader, Shane Layden* Players promoted from academy in italics.
* New signings in italics and bold.