Connacht boost squad by signing two Leinster young guns

Connacht have returned to the bulging Leinster extended squad to boost their panel for next season by signing scrum-half Ben Murphy and prop Temi Lasisi.

Scrum-half Murphy has amassed experience at Leinster and Munster, as well as the Ireland U-20 set-up.

He has made 14 appearances for Leinster, including eight this season, as well as making three appearances in the early stages of the Champions Cup. He also spent a period at Munster earlier in his career as injury cover.

In 2020, he played in all three of Ireland’s fixtures in the U-20 Six Nations before the competition was postponed and eventually cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.

Lasisi joins from the Leinster academy, where he made two appearances with the senior Leinster team.

Lasisi made three appearances in the 2021 U-20 Six Nations.

The Enniscorthy native can play at loosehead or tighthead prop, making him a valuable addition to Pete Wilkins’ squad next season.

“In Ben and Temi, we have signed two highly promising players in key positions,” says Wilkins.

“Ben has already gathered important minutes for Leinster at URC and Champions Cup level, and he will provide both competition and depth in our scrum-half position.

“We’re delighted to welcome Ben to the club and I know his new teammates and our supporters will enjoy getting to know him next season.

“Temi arrives with enormous potential, having come through the Leinster and Irish rugby pathways as a destructive loosehead, but now with the ability to also play tighthead.

“His versatility will perfectly complement the six other props we have contracted for next season, and I am really excited by the opportunity to work with him and support his development.”