Cathal Forde pens two-year contract extension with Connacht

The 22-year-old made his debut for Connacht against Glasgow in January 2022 and has earned 23 caps to date. 

CONTRACT EXTENSION: Connacht's Cathal Forde has penned a two-year contract extension with his home province. Pic: ©INPHO/James Crombie

Connacht Rugby have announced that Cathal Forde has signed a two-year contact extension with his home province.

Forde has emerged as a consistent starter at inside-centre for the Westerners with 23 caps to date and picked up the Player of the Match for his performance against Scarlets in their URC win at Dexcom Stadium on Saturday evening. The 22-year-old can also cover at 13 and fly-half.

The Galway man came through the Connacht pathway system with Galway Corinthians RFC and The Jes and made his senior debut against Glasgow in January 2022. 

𝘿𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙡 ✍️

Cathal Forde signs a new deal with his home province 🔒

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— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) March 5, 2024

Forde featured in all five games for Ireland in the 2021 U20 Six Nations. 

Forde is delighted to pen the new deal. 

"I am delighted to sign a two-year contract and extend my stay at my home province. I feel like there's so much more to come with my game and I know being at Connacht will help develop that.

"We've got a really good group of players here and I want to play my part in helping this club succeed."

Head Coach Pete Wilkins is thrilled that Forde has extended his stay with his home province.

“Cathal is an exciting talent and excellent young professional, and I am delighted he has committed to Connacht Rugby for another two seasons.

"As a local lad and academy graduate, he is a great example of the type of player and person that the club and supporters are so proud to be associated with.

"He has thrived with the first team opportunities he has been given so far and we are all excited by what he can achieve in the season to come"