Griffin and McSharry commit to Connacht

Eoin Griffin and Dave McSharry have both agreed terms that will see the centre pairing remain at the Sportsground until at least 2014.

Eoin Griffin earned his 1st Academy contract in 2009. He has 9 caps for Ireland U20, scoring a try against Argentina and Samoa in the IRB Junior World Championships last year as well as tries against Wales and England in the 2010 U20 6 Nations.

Dave McSharry joined Connacht this season having left Leinster Academy. The 21 year old former Templeogue schoolboy has played for Ireland at U18 level and was a member of Ireland's U20 World Cup squad in the summer. McSharry’s attacking prowess came to the fore last weekend when he earned the RaboDirect PRO12 Man of the Match as well as scoring a try in Connacht's narrow defeat to Treviso.

McSharry expressed his appreciation for the experience and game-time his getting at Connacht.

"The best way to develop for us young lads is playing games and that's what we are getting to do here, I'm delighted," he said.

"I had no hesitation when the contract was put in front of me. I have played in a few huge games now and those games can do wonders for you. Playing in those big games is worth 10 training sessions. This is what I want to be doing, playing as much as possible. I'm delighted"

Local boy Griffin was equally eager to commit to the province for another two years having progressed so well during his time with Connacht so far.

"Well I'm from here so I'm delighted to be playing for Connacht and with Dave for another two years,” he said.

“Hopefully that will go well, we have played together (Ireland U20's) so I'm really happy, happy out to be here for two years"