CONNACHT CONFIRM DEPARTURE OF BROWNE

PRO12 winning second-row Andrew Browne will leave Connacht at the end of the season, the province confirmed yesterday.

Galway native Browne (right) has been with his home side for 11 seasons, lining out more than 150 times in green since making his debut in 2007.

The clear high point of his time came in 2016 when he was the starting lock in the side that won the Guinness PRO12 title under Pat Lam.

“It’s been amazing to watch this club grow... and I feel very privileged to have played a small part along the way,” he wrote in a statement on social media.

“Unfortunately, injuries have hindered me the past couple of years and I haven’t been able to contribute to the team as I would have liked. “But, as we all know, injuries are a part of rugby and you learn to take the good with the bad. In the end though the good memories will always outweigh the bad... an amazing day in Edinburgh standing out in particular!! “My thank yous are numerous! I’d like to start by thanking all the Connacht fans for their endless support over the years. Your dedication and support is never overlooked by anyone within Connacht Rugby and I look forward to joining you in cheering on the team for years to come.”

Browne joins John Muldoon in exiting the stage after the province’s final game of the season against Leinster next week.