Murray and Devine rewarded with new Connacht Rugby contracts

Kevin O'Neill

Two local rugby stars have been awarded for their continued excellence by signing contract extensions with Connacht Rugby.

Brideswell's Darragh Murray, whose older brother Niall is also part of the Connacht set-up, has penned a new deal for the 2026/27 season, along with Ballinasloe native John Devine. Out-half Cathal Forde has also agreed a new deal with the province.

A product of the Connacht pathway system at Buccaneers RFC in Athlone, and the Connacht Academy, Murray has made 51 appearances for Connacht since his debut in 2022 against Ospreys. His consistent performances from the second row earned him a well-deserved call-up to the Ireland squad for last summer’s test matches against Georgia and Portugal, in which he started both games. He was also a starter for the Ireland ‘A’ team in the win over Spain during the recent November international window.

Devine, meanwhile, signed his first professional contract last year, having come through three years in the Connacht Academy. He made his debut against Montpellier earlier this month, coming off the bench in the Challenge Cup tie.

Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster said: “Darragh, Cathal and John are all perfect examples of a fully-aligned Connacht pathway system. They were given the tools and knowledge to excel in their respective clubs and schools, and thanks to the work of Eric Elwood and his staff in the Connacht Academy, further developed their physical and technical skills ahead of their move to professional rugby.”

Murray featured in Connacht's defeat against Leinster last weekend in the latest round of fixtures in the United Rugby Championship, while Barrymore native Jack Carty also came off the bench in that 23-34 defeat. Both players will hope to feature in this Saturday's next Championship match, away against Zebre Parma (3pm).