Butler, Coughlan and Donnelly earn senior Munster contracts

Scott Buckley who graduated from the Academy in the senior squad in 2022 has also signed a contract extension.

Tue, 27 Feb, 2024 - 17:14

Examiner Desk

Munter Rugby and the IRFU announce that Academy trio Tony Butler, Ethan Coughlan and Mark Donnelly will be promoted to the senior squad for next season.

Out-half Butler and scrum-half Coughlan, both 21 and the first Ennis RFC players to earn senior Munster contracts, and 22-year-old prop Donnelly have signed tow year contracts after impressing over the last three years in the academy.

Scott Buckley who graduated from the Academy in the senior squad in 2022 has also signed a contract extension.

As previously confirmed, academy lock Edwin Edogobo came through the Munster Youths system with Cobh Pirates will gratuate to the senior squad with a two-year deal next season.

Buckley, Butler, Coughlan and Donnelly all made their Munster debuts in the famous Champions Cup win over Wasps in December 2021.

Butler earned his first senior contract after impressing in the academy the last three years. He has made six appearances to date including starts against Dragons and Connacht.

The Ennis out-half was a Grand Slam winner with the Ireland U20s in 2022 and now plays AIL rugby with Young Munster having previously lined out with Garryowen.

Butler captained Ennis at underage level teaming up with Coughlan in the half-backs where they enjoyed success in Munster U16 and U18 Club competitions.

Scrum-half Coughlan has had three starts this year and eight senior appearances since joining the Academy. He was also a member of the 2022 U20 Grand Slam winning squad and plays his club rugby with Shannon.

Prop Donnelly has made nine senior appearances to date after coming through the ranks at Midelton RFC, Midleton College and CBC.

He won the Pinergy Munster Schools Senior Cup with CBC in 2019 and featured for the Ireland U20s in the 2021 Six Nations.

Hooker Buckley has signed a one-year contract extension and has made 25 appearances to date.He started out with Kinsale RFC before captaining CBC to the 2019 Pinergy Munster Schools Senior Cup.