CONNACHT HAVE COMPLETED their recruitment for the 2014/15 season with the addition of Trinity wing Niyi Adeolokun.
The 23-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the province and the IRFU, having recently completed his final exams at the Dublin university. Adeolokun has impressed for Trinity in the Ulster Bank League and with their sevens team in recent seasons.
A graduate of the De La Salle secondary school in Churchtown, the Dubliner has been playing with Dublin University FC since 2009. In that time, he helped the club to All-Ireland Sevens Championships in 2011 and 2012.
Adeolokun played for the Connacht Eagles against touring Russian side Enisei STM in April and is now preparing for fitness testing alongside the rest of the senior squad later this week.
Head coach Pat Lam is delighted to welcome the wing into the professional set-up in Galway:
“He is clearly a brilliant broken-field runner with very good pace but we were also very impressed with what he offers in defence. With his raw talent and athleticism, we’re looking forward to seeing how he performs in a professional set-up for the first time.
“When meeting with Niyi, I was struck by his maturity and also his unwavering determination to succeed after having overcome many challenges along the way. He is a good young man with excellent values and I know he will fit in very well to our team environment.”
Connacht Rugby Squad for 2014/15 season:
Props:
Ronan Loughney, Denis Buckley, Rodney Ah You, Nathan White, JP Cooney, Finlay BealhamHookers:
Jason Harris-Wright, Dave Heffernan, Sean Henry, Tom McCartneySecond Rows:
Mick Kearney, Aly Muldowney, Michael Swift, Danny Qualter, Quinn RouxBack Rowers:
Andrew Browne, Mata Fifita, Jake Heenan, Willie Faloon, Eoin McKeon, John Muldoon, George NaoupuScrum-halves:
Kieran Marmion, Ian Porter, John CooneyOut-halves:
Miah Nikora, Craig Ronaldson, Jack CartyCentres:
Robbie Henshaw, Dave McSharry, Conor Finn, Bundee Aki, Shane O’LearyWingers:
Fionn Carr, Matt Healy, Tiernan O’Halloran, Danie Poolman, Niyi AdeolokunFullbacks:
Mils Muliaina, Darragh Leader, Shane Layden* Players promoted from academy in italics.
* New signings in italics and bold.
I am a massive Leinster fan but have to admit i am seriously excited about what Pat Lam and Connacht have been doing since end last season- they could be serious contenders to compete for that last qualifying spot and this is only good for Irish Rugby. Wish them well.
They seem to have built up a nice squad for themselves. They got their business done nice and early too which is always a good sign. I’d love to see them come up to the same level of the other provinces, it can only mean good things for the national team!
Hopefully Connacht can push on next season and with the quality signings I think they will. They will Improve up the league and have a good crack at the challenge cup.
Is Eoghan Masterson going to be at Connacht next season? He was impressive this year. Also, U20s player Sean O’Brien could be involved for the senior team.
Hi Peter,
Masterson will still be at Connacht, yes. He’s moving into his second year in the academy, so hopefully he can get more game time next season. Agree on O’Brien, he looked excellent for Ireland U20s in the Six Nations.
The 2nd row and outhalf depth would be a worry. Clarke is a huge loss and Roux wouldnt be a lineout performer. Who will have that responsibility now, M Kearney?
Also hope Carty can step up and be reliable for place kicks. Good signings made but good players lost too.
Fair play Niyi! A Templeogue Synge Streer Gfc player of the past.. im sure he’ll do very well with connaught
Looks like a good squad. I have to wonder who their silent benefactor is as they don’t get great crowds (or didn’t at the games I’ve been to) and their central funding is well below Leinster/Munster.
Although they don’t get the crowds of others. They have went from 1,200 – 1,500 average from 2006 – 2011 . . . up to 3,800 – 4,600 average over the past year or two. With big names that rises to 6,000 – 7,000 and on occasion 9,000 with big BIG ones.
If success comes, I imagine It will go like Leinster and Ulster did in their transformation ten years ago of similar numbers.
Ok excuse the horrific spelling but why is mils muliaina not on the list?
Hi Kieran, your spelling is spot on! Muliaina is on the list under ‘Fullbacks’.
Thanks bud sorry I didn’t see him there
Dan Parks was well past his best but without him they are looking underpowered at 10. Jack Carty has made a promising start but that is a lot of pressure to lump on a kid. With the calibre of what they have put together behind the scrum it would be a pity if the lack of a decent 10 meant it didn’t fire…. Did Shane O’Leary play outhalf also, he may have better chance of getting a game there….?
To me Connacht don’t look good. Too many names that are hard to pronounce!
Is Jack Dineen not part of the hookers? Or is he still in the academy?
Should Jack Dineen not be part of the hookers? Or is he still in the academy?