Sought after Irish scrumhalf pens new deal with Connacht
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Ireland scrumhalf Kieran Marmion has penned a new deal with Connacht Rugby despite rumours that he was moving to another club.
Marmion wasn’t picked for the World Cup squad despited being a regular fixture in Joe Schmidt's squad and producing a big performance in Ireland's win over New Zealand in Dublin.
Following his omission from the Ireland squad, it was suggested that he could make the move away from Connacht with Saracens and Toulouse interested with late murmurs of him going to Ulster.
The 27-years-old scrum-half has agreed to three-year extension to stay at the Sportsground and will compete with Caolin Blade for the nine jersey.
Blade has been in fine form for Andy Friend's side, putting in a man of the match performance against Montpellier in their opening Champions Cup fixture and has been tipped to be called into the test squad under Andy Farrell.
Commenting on the signing, Connacht Head Coach Andy Friend said: “Kieran has been an outstanding player for Connacht and for Ireland. He is a diligent professional and through his hard work he has progressed through the Connacht Academy and on to play for Ireland. His progress demonstrates the support that is available to players through our academy pathway. Kieran’s commitment to Connacht for a further three seasons demonstrates his ambition to contribute at provincial and international level in the coming years. His signing also ensures that we continue to retain a squad equipped to compete at the highest level of European club rugby”.
