Jack Carty and Denis Buckley have both resigned for Connacht ahead of the 2021-22 season
In all 19 players from the existing Professional squad have renewed deals for next season while a further two players Oran McNulty and Cian Prendergast, have been promoted from the Connacht Academy.
Four Irish internationals, Finlay Bealham, Jack Carty, Ultan Dillane and Dave Heffernan have signed on for next season.
While joint-leading Guinness PRO14 try scorer Alex Wootton have all signed on a permanent contract having joined on loan from Munster last summer.
“I am delighted to see so many of our current crop of players sign on for another season” said Head Coach Andy Friend.
“This is still a very challenging time for everyone in Irish Rugby so to have them commit to Connacht Rugby again says it all about the belief we have as a group to continue the progress we’re making”.
“17 of the 21 players were once part of the Connacht Academy, and in that group we have a mix of established Irish internationals, experienced players within the province and plenty of young players still in the early stages of their careers”.
“I have been very impressed by Cian Prendergast and Oran McNulty, and their first Professional contracts is the culmination of years of work from grassroots level to where they are now”.
“Congratulations not just to them but their parents, coaches and all the other volunteers who helped them along the way”.
“We are continuing to shape the squad for next season, with further discussions ongoing, and supporters should expect more positive news in the weeks and months ahead” added Friend.
Further Connacht retention and recruitment will be made in due course.
Confirmed new contracts for 2021-22
Finlay Bealham, Paul Boyle, Denis Buckley, Matthew Burke, Jack Carty, Shane Delahunt, Ultan Dillane, Jordan Duggan, Conor Fitzgerald, Dave Heffernan, Eoghan Masterson, Sean Masterson, Oran McNulty, Niall Murray, Conor Oliver, John Porch, Cian Prendergast, Colm Reilly, Peter Sullivan, Gavin Thornbury, Alex Wootton
