Kieran Marmion extends stay with Connacht

Connacht and Ireland scrum-half Kieran Marmion has signed a two-year contract extension with the province that will keep him at the Sportsgrounds until the end of the 2019/2020 season.

Marmion joined the Connacht Academy in 2011 and has made over 130 appearances for the club whilst also receiving a further 18 caps for Ireland. Marmion said that he was very proud of the club's achievement, which included a PRO 12 title in 2016, and that he hopes to be involved in Ireland's 2019 Rugby World Cup squad after deputising for Conor Murray during both the Six Nations and the November internationals. "Since joining the Connacht Academy I have received great guidance from coaches and management in the club and I am extremely proud of what we have achieved to date," Marmion told the club's website. "As a squad, we are excited about the coming seasons and are working towards bringing more success to the province. With the World Cup in 2019 only around the corner, I hope to be involved in the Irish squad in the years to come.” Commenting on the signing, Connacht Rugby CEO, Willie Ruane said: “Kieran has been an outstanding player for us since he joined the Connacht Academy in 2011. "As a Connacht player he has earned 18 caps for Ireland and we are extremely proud of his achievements for club and country. "Kieran is ambitious about what Connacht can achieve in the coming years and we are delighted that he has extended his contract with the province.”