Adam Byrne and Conor Fitzgerald among departing Connacht players

Adam Byrne and Conor Fitzgerald are among the eight players who will depart Connacht at the end of the season.

The province announced their final list of departing players today, having previously confirmed Kieran Marmion's move to Bristol Bears, as well as the retirements of Shane Delahunt and Alex Wootton.

Five additional players will be leaving the Sportsground at the end of the campaign, with Byrne and Fitzgerald the notable names on that list.

Byrne departs after just one season at the province, with the one-time Ireland international wing having struggled to make an impact in Galway.

The 30-year-old's season has been littered with injuries, limiting him to just six games, in which he's scored three tries.

Fitzgerald will leave Connacht after 62 appearances in green. The 25-year-old, who was Jack Carty's regular stand-in at out-half in previous years, has fallen behind David Hawkshaw in the depth chart this season.

Leva Fifita, Seán Masterson and Ciaran Booth will move on from Connacht with director of rugby Andy Friend - who is also leaving at the end of the season - paying tribute ahead of their final home game of 2023/23.

"The eight men have each made their own unique contributions to Connacht Rugby, so I'd like to thank them and wish them every success in the future, wherever their path may take them," Friend said.

"I’m sure they’ll get a well-deserved reception when we acknowledge them on the pitch after our final home game against Cardiff on Saturday.

"I also want to thank Mossy Lawler [attack coach] and Dewald Senekal [forwards coach] who finish up with us at the end of the season, after two years in the Pro coaching team. They’ve both played very important roles in the development of the squad in that time, and to