Breaking jack cartys career gets a major boost

ATHLONE’S Jack Carty has been rewarded for his contribution to the Connacht side in the last few seasons by signing a two year deal with the province.

Half backs Carty, John Cooney and Caolin Blade are the latest players to sign new contract extensions with Connacht Rugby and the IRFU.

Carty and Blade have put pen to paper on new two-year deals that will see them play at the Sportsground until at least the summer of 2017, while Cooney, who played at Connacht this season on loan from Leinster, has been signed on a permanent one-year contract for next season.

Carty, 22, graduated from the Connacht Academy at the end of last season after making his first professional start against Leinster at the Sportsground in January, 2014. Since then, the Athlone-native, who played his club rugby with Buccaneers, has started 16 games in the pivotal number 10 shirt, bringing to 24 his total number of appearances in a Connacht shirt.

Commenting on the deals, Connacht CEO Willie Ruane said: “We’re delighted to have secured these three players for the future. The fact that Jack, John and Caolin are all Irish born half-backs, under the age of 24, is a huge sign of the young talent and huge potential we have at Connacht. With Jack and Caolin, we have young indigenous players who have come right through the Connacht underage system. Their progress as professional athletes is there for all to see.”

Connacht head coach Pat Lam added: “We’re very pleased to be able to announce that these guys will continue to play for Connacht. Jack is making big progress in his development. The huge amount of game-time for a young out-half is allowing him learn and develop. All world class 10’s need a starting point and I believe that over the coming years, both the club and Jack will continue to see huge growth in his ability as a skilled playmaker.”