Connacht scrum-half Caolin Blade signs contract extension

Connacht have tied down scrum-half Caolin Blade to a new contract that will keep him at his home province until 2026.

The Monivea native made his Connacht debut in 2014 and has gone on to make 160 appearances.

Blade, 28, made his sole senior appearance for Ireland against the United States in 2021. Injury ruled him out of the Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa at the start of the season but he did feature for Ireland 'A' against an All Blacks XV in November.

Connacht director of rugby Andy Friend said: "Bladey epitomises the fast, high-tempo rugby Connacht are known for, so it’s great to keep him at his home province for at least another three seasons.

"To tie him down on a long-term contract is a significant show of faith both from the club to him as a player, but also from Caolin to the club in terms of what the aims are for the years ahead."

Blade follows John Porch in committing his future to Connacht. The former Australia Sevens player signed a contract extension until the end of the 2024/25 season.

Blade said: "I’m very proud and happy to commit to Connacht Rugby for another three years. This club means a lot to me and I want to do everything I can to help them succeed into the future.

"The prospect of training and playing in our new stadium really appeals to me so I can’t wait to see what’s in store."

Connacht travel to Newcastle Falcons for their final Challenge Cup pool match on Saturday, knowing victory will secure home advantage for the round of 16.

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