Dillane extends Connacht stay

CONNACHT have been handed a further boost after Ultan Dillane put pen to paper on a new two-year contract extension that will keep him in the west until at least the summer of 2021.

The news comes on the back of Jack Carty committing his future to the province, which will help soften the blow of losing Cian Kelleher to Leinster.

Dillane (25) has made 73 appearances for Connacht since he made his professional debut in 2014 and has recently shown signs of a return to the kind of form that saw him win his first cap for Ireland against England in 2016.

The powerful lock will be hoping that he can catch Joe Schmidt’s eye and force his way back into the international frame ahead of the World Cup in Japan later this year.

“I am delighted to be extending my contract and committing to Connacht for a further two seasons,” Dillane said.

“I am proud of the fact that I have come through the academy system in the province and gone on to play for Connacht and Ireland at senior level.

“There is huge confidence and ambition in the Connacht squad and throughout the organisation and I am really excited about what we can achieve over the next few years.”

Connacht head coach Andy Friend was delighted that Dillane signed on.

“Ultan has played the game at the highest level and brings a wealth of experience to our side. He will continue to be a central figure as we target further success in the seasons ahead,” Friend said.