Connacht confirm new deals for half backs

Jack Carty in action for Connacht. European Rugby Challenge Cup 2014/15, Pool 2, Round 5, Connacht v Exeter Chiefs. Sportsground, Galway.

Picture: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE

Connacht announced new deals for half backs Jack Carty, Caolin Blade and John Cooney today. Homegrown talents Carty and Blade both signed deals that will keep them with the province until 2017.

22-year-old Carty graduated from the Connacht Academy last season - and has already clocked up 24 appearances for the province.

Connacht boost half backs with new deals @JackCarty1 @CaolinB @JCooney09 @ http://t.co/4jFYXudgGP

— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) January 28, 2015

Scrumhalf Blade joined the Connacht Academy in 2013. The 20-year-old, who has represented Ireland at U18s and U19 level, is expected to join the senior squad next season, having already made several appearances in the senior side.

John Cooney joined Connacht on a loan-deal from Leinster for this season, and has now signed a permanent deal for next season.

Everyone at Leinster would like to wish @JCooney09 the best of luck with @connachtrugby http://t.co/psd3UTYm2K pic.twitter.com/AMTwHVIVQl

— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) January 28, 2015

The 24-year-old has already played for Connacht this season in the PRO12.

To say thanks for all the support over the years I want to give away a signed Leinster Jersey.RT and ill pick someone pic.twitter.com/uVkRpY2WJE

— John Cooney (@JCooney09) January 28, 2015

Connacht head coach Pat Lam welcomed the new deals.

"We're very pleased to be able to announce that these guys will continue to play for Connacht," Lam said.

"Half back is an area that is pivotal to any team and with Kieran Marmion likely to be with Ireland more and more over the coming months, it was vital that we had plans in place to ensure we have a squad comprising of four quality scrum halves."