Cian Kelleher can shine at Connacht, says Pat Lam

Coach Pat Lam believes Connacht will provide new signing Cian Kelleher with the shop window he needs to fulfil his ambitions of playing for Ireland.

Leinster chiefs are understood to be unhappy that Kelleher has turned down a development contract to join Connacht on a two-year-deal but Lam insists that they did not approach the player at any stage about a move out west.

“We were notified by his agent that he was available and keen, so the beauty is, and what we are really happy about, is that we have a player who has ambitions to play for his country, and has realised that in the past two years he hasn’t been in the shop window,” said Lam.

“Now he is coming here to have an opportunity to fight hard and play a brand of rugby that suits his style and gives him a chance to get on the stage and achieve his goals.”

Lam has kept an eye on the fullback since first seeing him play two seasons ago and is surprised he has not been playing for Leinster on a more regular basis.

“I saw him two years ago and I thought ‘wow’.

“He was with the Leinster Academy at the time and what surprised me is that I haven’t seen him involved on a regular basis since then.

“He is a young player who wants to play for Ireland.”

Kelleher will join former Lansdowne team-mate Matt Healy who has been deemed fit to play in Saturday’s final Pro12 shoot-out with Glasgow for the chance of a home semi-final.

Also available is Bundee Aki, who has recovered from his knee injury, but both props Denis Buckley and Nathan White are still unavailable, as is Dannie Poolman, while Craig Ronaldson will join the squad later this week.

Lam says Aki’s return is a massive boost for Connacht ahead of this huge challenge against the league leaders and current champions.

“He’s been jumping off the walls and ready to go.

“He’s a tough character, he was even trying to get to Treviso even though he couldn’t train!

“Everyone wants to be playing this weekend, so that is a good boost.”