Finlay Bealham has signed a contract extension that keeps him a Connacht player until 2024.
The tighthead prop, who joined the western province’s subacademy in 2011, made his senior debut in 2014 and has since racked up 167 appearances.
Bealham has earned 18 Irish Test caps and featured heavily during the recent Autumn Nations Series campaign.
Belaham expressed his delight at signing a new deal:
“I’m buzzing to be able to sign on with Connacht Rugby for two more seasons. I moved to Galway as a teenager and it quickly became my home.
“Connacht have given me every opportunity to play at the highest level and we are continuing to evolve and grow in the West.
“Representing Connacht and Ireland is always an honour and is where my heart is.”
Head coach Andy Friend added:
“Your tighthead prop is the foundation of your scrum and one of the heartbeats of your team, so to have a top shelf bloke and an International prop like Finlay agreeing to stay with us for another 2 seasons is really really pleasing.
He knows Connacht inside out having worked his way through our ranks from our Academy, and he epitomises what hard work and self-belief can achieve.
“He’s also a huge personality and is very popular with the players, staff and supporters alike. We’re all looking forward to seeing him wear the green of Connacht and hopefully Ireland for many years ahead.”