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Leinster fans not happy as Connacht poach breakout star

Published 11:13 5 May 2026 BST

Updated 11:13 5 May 2026 BST

Colman Stanley
Leinster fans not happy as Connacht poach breakout star

Homerugby

Should they have kept him...

Connacht have today have announced the signing of Leinster's Jerry Cahir for next season.

The 25-year-old was signed by his home province in September on a short-term deal, after starring for Lansdowne in the AIL.

The loosehead has been a revelation, with a number of impressive scrummaging performances against top opposition, in both the URC and Champions Cup.

So far this season, he has racked up four starts in 14 appearances.

While fans have praised Stuart Lancaster and Connacht for the signing, Leinster supporters are not pleased to be losing a man who has played a part in Leinster's Champions Cup quarter-final and semi-final wins.

On the move, Cahir said: "The opportunity to move to Connacht is something I’m very excited about.

"I am grateful to everyone at Leinster for all they have done for me this season, and for giving me an opportunity when nothing else was on the table. Now I’m really looking forward to making the move to Connacht and hopefully making a similar impact."

However, it has to be noted that Leinster possess a lot of depth at loosehead prop, with Andrew Porter, Paddy McCarthy, Jack Boyle and Alex Usanov.

Cahir has taken full advantage of injuries, and his move to Connacht looks like the right decision, as opportunities will harder to come by when those mentioned above return to full fitness.

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