LAST UPDATE | 1 Mar 2023
CONNACHT HAVE ANNOUNCED that long-serving scrum-half Kieran Marmion is to depart the club at the end of the season.
Marmion will move on as his contract is set to expire after spending over 11 seasons with the province. He currently has amassed 224 appearances, which place him third in all-time appearances for the club behind John Muldoon and Michael Swift.
Shortly after Marmion’s departure from Connacht was announced, Bristol Bears confirmed the 31-year-old will make the move to Ashton Gate in the summer.
The highlight of Marmion’s career with Connacht was the 2016 Pro12 Grand Final win over Leinster as he started scrum-half for that triumph – and he will now be reunited with former Connacht boss Pat Lam in Bristol.
Marmion’s Connacht displays resulted in Ireland recognition, winning 28 caps across a period of six campaigns and he started in November 2018 when Ireland enjoyed their first ever home win over the All Blacks.
#ThanksMarmo
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) March 1, 2023
After 11 seasons and 224 appearances, Kieran Marmion will depart the club at the end of the season.
Read his full statement here: https://t.co/KGNG1NoSJJ pic.twitter.com/aeLrI82T5n
“It’s been a really tough decision for me to leave Connacht Rugby,” said Marmion.
“I can’t thank the club enough for the opportunity that they have given me. I’d also like to thank the coaches that I’ve worked with over the years, the many players I’ve played alongside, and the fans for their dedicated support and passion throughout my time here. I cannot express how much it means to us players when you show up week in, week out to support us.
“The people of Connacht have been so welcoming to me ever since I moved over and I’ve been honoured to call the place home for the past 12 years. While my time at the club has come to an end I am excited about the next chapter of my career. I will always look back on my time with Connacht Rugby with huge pride and I wish the club continued success both on and off the field.”
Connacht Director of Rugby Andy Friend hailed the impact of Marmion.
“Whilst we were keen for Kieran to stay at the club, he has decided now is the right time in his career to seek a new challenge. We are obviously very disappointed to see him go, but we fully appreciate that he has to do what he feels is right for him and his career over the next few years.
“He will rightly go down as one of the all-time great players for this province and on behalf of the club I want to thank him for his brilliant service to Connacht for over 10 years.
“The club will make sure he and our departing players get a deserved send-off at the end of the season, but until then we look forward to Kieran playing a big part in helping the province work towards a successful season both in the URC and Challenge Cup.”
In a Bristol statement confirming Marmion’s signature, director of rugby Pat Lam described him as “a perfect replacement” for outgoing scrum-half Andy Uren.
🇮🇪 2⃣8⃣ @IrishRugby caps
— Bristol Bears 🐻 (@BristolBears) March 1, 2023
🍀 2⃣2⃣2⃣ @connachtrugby apps
🐾 Coming to Bear Country
Welcome to #BristolBears, @kieranmarmion! 👋
“Once Andy Uren had requested an early release, we began the search for a possible replacement – someone with experience who would be the right fit for our team,” Lam said.
“I’m really pleased to be able to bring in Kieran Marmion – an international scrum half with vast experience who will bring huge value to us on and off the field. Having worked closely with him in the past, I know he is exactly the perfect replacement to fill the void following the release of Andy to Benetton Treviso at the end of the season.”
Marmion added: “I’m really excited to have the opportunity to represent the Bristol Bears on and off the field.
“I’ve followed them closely over the last few years and I’m really looking forward to working with Pat again and being part of the exciting brand of rugby that the Bears look to play.”
Updated at 7.40pm with confirmation of move to Bristol Bears. Additional reporting by Ciarán Kennedy.
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