Carrick-on-Shannon’s Diarmaid O’Connell has made the Connacht Academy squad for 2026.
Connacht Rugby Academy Manager Eric Elwood confirmed a 16-man Academy squad for the 2025/26 season. This year’s squad includes an intake of eight players into Year 1 of the programme.
Coming through the Connacht pathway system to take their place in the squad is Carrick-on Shannon’s Diarmaid O’Connell (Corinthians RFC/Sligo Grammar) and Galway duo Bobby Power (Galwegians RFC/The Jes) and Sean Walsh (Corinthians RFC/Coláiste Éinde), while a further five players have joined the province.
All four of last year’s Year 1 players; Billy Bohan, Tomás Farthing, Max Flynn and Éanna McCarthy have moved up to Year 2.
This season’s four Year 3 representatives have all progressed from Year 2; minus Finn Treacy who signed a Professional contract earlier in the summer. They are Fiachna Barrett, Seán Naughton, James Nicholson and Matthew Victory.
Connacht Rugby Academy Squad 2025/26
Year 1: Aaron O’Brien – Back Row, Diarmaid O’Connell – Back Row, Conor O’Shaughnessy – Out-Half, Bobby Power – Back Row. Daniel Ryan – Back Three, David Walsh – Lock/Back Row, Seán Walsh – Centre, Mikey Yarr – Hooker.
Year 2: Billy Bohan – Loosehead Prop, Tomás Farthing – Scrum-Half, Max Flynn – Back Row, Éanna McCarthy – Back Row.
Year 3: Fiachna Barrett – Tighthead Prop, Seán Naughton – Out-Half, James Nicholson – Back Three, Matthew Victory – Hooker.
