From the Connacht Rugby media office…
Connacht Rugby is delighted to confirm the contract extensions of four players, George Naoupu, Jason Harris-Wright, Mick Kearney and Eoin McKeon have all signed contract extensions that keep them at the club until at least the end of 2014/15 season.
George Naoupu's contract extension is a huge boost to the club and the forward pack. New Zealand born Naoupu arrived at the Sportsground at the start of the 2009/10 season, having come from Super 14 side The Highlanders. He made an everlasting impression with Connacht fans when his second-half try sealed victory over Bourgoin to send the Irish side through to the 2009 Amlin Cup semi-final. The 6'5, 112kg versatile forward then moved to the Kobe Steelers in Japan where he spent one season before returning to Connacht for a further two years.
With 44 Connacht caps, 30-year-old Naoupu has played in 12 games this season, and registered tries against Zebre, Leinster and the Dragons. Director of Rugby, Eric Elwood has spoken about the big forward citing his trademark physicality and ball carrying abilities:
"George is a strong and natural leader in our team. He is a phenomenal ball carrier and shows an exceptionally high work rate game after game. His has a brilliant ability to switch from back row to lock seamlessly."
Naoupu was awarded the Player of the Month award for September 2012. His two year contract has been offered with the option to extend to a third year.
Young forwards Jason Harris-Wright, Mike Kearney and Eoin McKeon have also committed their immediate future to Connacht, each signing two year extensions.
Harris-Wright joined Connacht last summer on a one-year deal. The 24-year-old was part of the Ireland U20 World Championship team and featured in all bar one of Ireland U20's RBS 6Nations matches the same year.
The young hooker is a product of the Leinster Academy and played four Heineken Cup matches with the province, including the 2011 final victory over Northampton Saints.
Since joining Connacht, he has readily competed for the number two spot. He has made a notable impression this season, notching up 12 senior caps andhas been quick to establish himself as a key component in the Connacht pack.
Second row Mick Kearney has also put pen to paper on a two year deal. The 6'5, 21-year-old from Dublin who has represented Ireland at U18, U20 and Colleges level, has 22 caps for Connacht. He earned his first Heineken Cup start this season in the 22-14 win over French side Biarritz. His imposing and physical performance merited another start in the return trip to France.
Galway-born Eoin McKeon will remain at his native province until at least the end of the 2014/2015 season. The 21-year-old is a graduate of the Connacht Academy and has represented Ireland at U18, U19 and U20 level. He made his RaboDirect PRO12 debut three seasons ago against Scarlets and made the step up to Heineken Cup last season. He has started in the pivotal number 8 position on ten occasions this season, including the two European fixtures against Biarritz. He is comfortable playing across the back row and his agility and athletic ball carrying ability comes to the fore game after game. His consistent performances this season have earned him the Connacht Player of the Month award for December.
Speaking about the new signing and contract extensions, CEO Tom Sears said:
"The retention of key players such as George, Jason, Mick and Eoin is another clear indication that we intend to retain our best players and continue to build for a successful future. The fact that all of the four have committed to Connacht in the face of strong interest from elsewhere is a demonstration of both the progress they have made as players and the progress we are making as a province.
"Our squad for next season and beyond is developing very well, we are actively looking to bring in the best players we possibly can and we are confident that more of our current players will commit and we will be able to bring in some high quality signings for next year."
