KIERAN MARMION HAS committed his future to Connacht and Irish rugby up to and beyond the 2019 World Cup after signing a two-year contract extension with the western province.
The new deal will see the Ireland scrum-half remain at the Sportsgrounds until the end of the 2019/20 season, and by agreeing new terms follows Ultan Dillane and Bundee Aki in committing to Connacht long-term.
Marmion, capped 18-times at international level, has made 130 appearances for the province since joining in 2011 and will look to cement his place in Joe Schmidt’s plans going forward, although has faced stiff competition from Luke McGrath recently.
“Since joining the Connacht Academy I have received great guidance from coaches and management in the club and I am extremely proud of what we have achieved to date,” he said.
“As a squad, we are excited about the coming seasons and are working towards bringing more success to the province. With the World Cup in 2019 only around the corner, I hope to be involved in the Irish squad in the years to come.”
The scrum-half, who was born in England, and grew up in Brecon, Wales, but whose family hail from Galway, was brought over to Ireland through the IRFU’s Exiles system and went on to be capped at U18, U19 and U20 level for Ireland before making the step up to the Wolfhounds and then the senior team, making his full debut against Argentina in 2014.
Connacht CEO Willie Ruane added: “Kieran has been an outstanding player for us since he joined the Connacht Academy in 2011. As a Connacht player he has earned 18 caps for Ireland and we are extremely proud of his achievements for club and country. Kieran is ambitious about what Connacht can achieve in the coming years and we are delighted that he has extended his contract with the province.”
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