New Connacht contract for ‘delighted’ Quinn Roux

By John Fallon

Quinn Roux got an early birthday present this week: He wrapped up a two-year contract extension, but the ideal way to celebrate his 28th birthday, at the end of the month, would be with inclusion in the Irish squad for the autumn internationals.

Roux is now in his fifth season at the Sportsground, having joined, initially, on loan, after three years with Leinster, and he has become one of the leaders, as Andy Friend tries to get the western province back competing for silverware.

“I’m delighted. It’s great to have it out of the way and just focus on my performances every week,” said the South African, who has committed to remaining with the club until at least the summer of 2021. This is my fifth season here and it was so easy to make the decision. We bought a house in Galway, so it is very much home for us. We love it here.”

He won the sixth of his Irish caps in Australia in the summer, having made his debut two years earlier, against his country of birth.

His form for Connacht has been excellent this season, but he knows how much competition there is for second-row slots in Joe Schmidt’s squad.

“You are never guaranteed to be in those squads. You have to play really well to be in there, so, fingers crossed, I will be included.

“There are two more games before that squad is announced, so, hopefully, I can put in some good performances between now and then.

“Consistency is the main thing I’m working on, backing up good performances, and I feel I have started the season in that way.

The way we started has been brilliant. Last year was a bit of a rollercoaster, but we started really well this season. We can’t look too far ahead, but there is a positive vibe in the squad. We are training well and that shows on the pitch. Calling the lineouts for the last year has given me a kind of leadership role in the team, a responsibility that I’ve taken on, and it’s another string to my bow. I am 27 and I’m one of the older guys, but that’s a real positive, as well. There are a few, good young lads coming up.

Meanwhile, scrum-half, Conor McKeon, is set for a lengthy spell on the sideline. He suffered a shoulder injury shortly after coming on for his first game of the season. Friend revealed: “It’s a real shame. He will be in surgery, so that’s going to be a long recovery for him. He got his opportunity on Saturday and it’s unfortunate. He is a popular member of the group and everybody is wishing for a successful surgery and a quick recovery,” he said.

International Kieran Marmion will miss Saturday’s Challenge Cup trip to Sale Sharks, but should be back for the following week’s clash, away to Ospreys. Full-back Tiernan O’Halloran, has recovered from injury and is available, while prop Denis Buckley, lock Ultan Dillane, and back-rower Paul Boyle, who were all rested for the 22-10 win over Bordeaux-Begles, are back for the trip to the AJ Bell Stadium. in Salford.

Prop Peter McCabe is going through the HIA protocols this week. “It’s been handy to give some of those lads a break, as some of them had played a lot of minutes this season and now they will come back fresh,” added Friend.