Finlay Harry Bealham is a professional rugby union player who plays as a prop for the United Rugby Championship club Connacht. He was born on October 9, 1991, in Australia and represents Ireland at the international level through his Irish ancestry.
Bealham grew up in Canberra and attended St Edmund's College. He initially played rugby league but switched to rugby union at the age of 16. Despite being selected for the Australian schools team, he was not offered a place in the Brumbies academy and decided to move to Ireland to pursue his professional career.
In Ireland, Bealham played for Belfast Harlequins in his grandmother's native province of Ulster before joining Connacht's academy in 2011. He played for the Connacht Eagles, the province's second-tier side, while in the academy. Bealham made his debut for Connacht in the Pro12 in February 2014.
During his career, Bealham has played as both a loosehead and tighthead prop. He has been a consistent player for Connacht, featuring in numerous Pro12 and European matches. He was part of the Connacht squad that won the Pro12 in the 2015-2016 season, the team's first major trophy.
Bealham made his international debut for Ireland in the 2016 Six Nations Championship, replacing an injured player. He has since represented Ireland in multiple Six Nations tournaments and was part of the squad that won the Triple Crown in 2022 and 2023, the Six Nations Championship in 2023, and the Grand Slam in 2023.
In addition to his club and international success, Bealham has received individual recognition. He has been named in the United Rugby Championship Dream Team twice, for the 2015-16 and 2022-23 seasons.
Bealham's commitment to Connacht was evident when he signed contract extensions, keeping him with the province until the end of the 2020-21 season. He has made significant contributions to both Connacht and the Irish national team throughout his career.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023, Bealham has been named in the squad for Ireland.
KG(29/06/2023)
Career
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Connacht Rugby Loosehead Prop |
2012 - present |
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Ireland Loosehead Prop |
2016 - present |
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Ireland A Tighthead Prop |
2022 - present |
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Ireland U20's Loosehead Prop |
2011 - 2011 |
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Barbarians Loosehead Prop |
2019 - 2019 |
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St Edmunds College Tighthead Prop |
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Galway Corinthians RFC Tighthead Prop |
