Cian Prendergast extends Connacht contract

Connacht flanker Cian Prendergast has signed a new deal which will keep him at the province until 2025.

The Newbridge, Kildare native, who had 12 months remaining on his first pro contract which he had signed last March, made his provincial debut in 2020 and has since amassed 30 appearances, including 19 starts in the current campaign.

The 23-year-old's performances also attracted the interest of the Ireland coaching staff who called him into the squad as a development player for this year's Guinness Six Nations.

"I'm delighted to commit to Connacht for at least another three years," said Prendergast.

"I'll be forever thankful to Eric Elwood and his academy management for giving me the opportunity to join the setup when I wasn't sure what the future held for me. A huge thanks also to Andy Friend and the coaches for giving me the chance to play regularly at the highest level.

"We've got a really good group of players here and I firmly believe great things are on the horizon for us, and I can't wait to play my part in it."

Connacht head coach Andy Friend highlighted Prendergast's potential to develop further during the span of his new contract.

"Cian is everything you want in a rugby player. He's a consummate professional and is consistent in everything he does on and off the field," he said.

"It was clear from his early days in the academy that he was ready to make an impact with the pro team and since then he’s gone from strength to strength.

"He’s still only 22 so will only get better, and it’s another show of faith in what we aim to achieve as a group in the coming years."