Connellan signs for French club

Former Ireland Schools captain David Connellan has cut ties with Buccaneers to sign for French third Division side CS VilleFranche, ahead of the new rugby season.

The talented 21-year-old, who operates at fly-half and scrum-half, has signed as a full-time profressional for the Lyon-based club.

Kicking duties at Buccaneers are now likely to be handled by Tom Cregan, one of three ex-Shannon players to join Buccaneers in the off-season.

Pack pair David Quinlan and Brian Buckley will also link up out west with new Buccs coach Geoff Moylan, the man who guided Shannon to two AIB League titles in a three-year term at Thomond Park.