'Grassroots to Green Shirts': Connacht announce double signing of Galway natives

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have announced the re-signing of Eoin Griffin as well as the contract extension of Tiernan O'Halloran with the province. The duo, both natives of Galway, have signed new two-year deals.

Delighted to announce contract ext. of @Tiernanoh11 & return home of @EoinGriff90 @ https://t.co/TTCZ1Y4xYy #GrassrootsToGreenShirts

— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) December 14, 2015

Griffin, who is 25, had been in the Connacht age grade system from the age of 15. He joined the Connacht Academy in 2009 and earned his first PRO12 cap that same season. In the summer of 2014 he moved abroad, spending two seasons with London Irish.

"I'm delighted to be coming home to Connacht Rugby,” Griffin said. "London Irish is definitely moving in the right direction and it wasn't an easy decision to leave but the opportunity to move home to Connacht was something I couldn't say no to.

I'm a Connacht man born and bred, it's where my family and friends are and so it will always be home to me.

It's also very exciting times at Connacht Rugby and I'm looking forward to settling back into the environment with Pat and the squad and pushing hard for a place in a high performing back line."

24-year-old O'Halloran is in his seventh season at Connacht Rugby and has played 12 games so far this season.

He said: "It was an easy decision to sign up for another two years. Galway and Connacht is my home and I've played so much of my rugby here.

“It was a huge honour to captain the side on a couple of occasions this season and I hope I can continue to do my part for the team going forward."

Connacht head coach Pat Lam welcomed the two signings.

"I'm confident both Eoin and Tiernan will push hard to ensure that their home club Connacht Rugby is successful on and off the field,” he said. “As far as 'Grassroots to Green Shirts' goes, they are great role models for all young rugby players throughout our province."