Cian Prendergast pens new three-year contract with Connacht

THREE MORE YEARS: Connaht Rugby have announced that club captain Cian Prendergast has penned a new three-year contract to keep him at the province until 2028. Picture: ©INPHO/James Crombie

Connaht Rugby have announced that club captain Cian Prendergast has penned a new three-year contract to keep him at the province until 2028.

Prendergast was appointed team captain at the start of the current season by head coach Pete Wilkins and continues to impress on and off the field since arriving at Connacht in 2020.

Prendergast signed initially to the Connacht Academy and made his professional debut away to Edinburgh in October 2020. He went on to make 10 appearances that year. The following season he went on to sign his first professional contract cementing his place in the starting XV making 20 appearances in the 24 games that season.

His performances earned him a call up to the Ireland senior squad making his Irish debut against Fiji during the 2022 Autumn Nations Series the first of three caps to date.

Prendergast assumed the leadership role of the playing squad supported by vice-captains Dave Heffernan and Joe Joyce and the wider leadership team. He was named in the Ireland squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series.

Prendergast is delighted to commit to Connacht for three more years.

“I’m thrilled to be committing my future to Connacht for a further three years. I’ve enjoyed every minute since arriving 4 years ago, and with the new stadium and HPC on the way there’s a very exciting future ahead. 

"I can’t wait to play my part in that and represent the people of Connacht for at least another three seasons, and give them the success we believe is possible.”

Wilkins is happy Prendergast has signed on for three more years. 

“Keeping Cian at Connacht for three more seasons is massive news for the club. He’s a natural leader who raises standards every day, on and off the field, and inspires those around him. 

"His continual drive for self-improvement means that at just 24 the best years of his career are still ahead of him, so I’m delighted that he’ll be wearing the green of Connacht in that time.”