Andy: You Cian be a star here

ANDY FRIEND has no fears about Connacht being turned into a development province again after it emerged Cian Kelleher is returning to Leinster following a three-season stint at The Sportsground.

The 24-year-old winger is leaving at the end of the current campaign and has told his team-mates he is returning to the RDS.

In doing so, he will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Fionn Carr, Jamie Hagan and Mick Kearney who all went west in search of game time before returning to the Blues.

Players such as Mike Mccarthy, Sean Cronin and Robbie Henshaw have also made the move to Dublin after becoming Irish internationals.

Connacht head coach Friend is disappointed that Kelleher is leaving but added: “Connacht provides opportunity. You look at the weekend, everyone is talking about Tom Farrell’s game and why is that? It’s because he got the opportunity to play.

“One of the things you get here is you get the opportunity to play.

“You only become a better footballer by playing football at the highest level.

“For me Connacht actually offer that opportunity. At the same time everyone is quite within their right to make a decision.

“For various reasons, I am sure Cian will talk about that when he announces it, he will share the reasons he decided to make it and I know it was a tough decision for him.”

Meanwhile, Bundee Aki is available for Saturday’s home Challenge Cup clash against Sale Sharks with captain Jarrad Butler also set to return.

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