John Muldoon commits to 14th season with Connacht, saying ‘I love this place’

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have announced that John Muldoon has signed a new contract for the 2016/17 season.

The Portumna native is currently in his 13th season of a professional career at the club and has captained the side for five of those seasons.

Muldoon made his senior debut in 2004 and has since played 260 times for the province, including 58 European games.

The highest capped player, both for Connacht and in the PRO12 league, the blindside flanker has played in 11 of Connacht's 15 games this season, starting all but one. He touched down for his 16th Connacht try in the memorable win over Enisei-STM in Siberia last November.

John Muldoon signs another year- "can't imagine playing anywhere but Connacht". Hard to imagine Connacht without him after 13 years.

— linley mackenzie (@linleymackenzie) January 7, 2016

Head coach Pat Lam welcomed the news of another season for the “hugely respected” 33-year-old.

"Not only is John one of the most consistent players in terms of his performances, he is a hugely respected individual as our captain,” Lam said. “After so many years, he continues to demand high standards of himself and of everyone around him.

“He epitomises the 'Connacht man' and is a great example to our younger players about what you can achieve with hard work"

"Personally I am very happy to be working with John again next season."

Great catch- Connacht Rugby announce that John Muldoon has signed a new contract for the 2016/17 season. #IRFU pic.twitter.com/snMgHwkIOr

— sportsfile (@sportsfile) January 7, 2016

"It was very easy for me to sign on with Connacht for another year,” Muldoon said when the news was announced. “I love this place, and I couldn't imagine playing anywhere else now.

“I'm definitely the 'old man' in the squad but I don't feel it. Playing and training with these younger lads just drives me on even further and I'm really enjoying what we're doing as a squad.”

"Connacht has changed immeasurably since I started out but every year we have been building and I've just loved being a part of it. There have been plenty of highs and lows but those experiences, particularly the lows, just remind me of how far we have come.

"I'm excited about the rest of the season and the next and I believe we can achieve big things for Connacht."