Injury woe for Connacht's Loughney

Connacht prop Ronan Loughney has just experienced the extreme highs and lows of professional rugby.

Shortly after he won a two-year contract with his native province, 21-year-old Loughney endured a serious knee injury for the second time in nine months.

He suffered a cruciate ligament tear in the weekend pre-season loss to Narbonne.

"It is a terrible blow for Ronan, especially as he has worked so hard to get back from the injury last year," said Connacht coach Michael Bradley.

"He is a determined young man and I have no doubt he will bounce back from this disappointment".