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.