Connacht have been given a significant boost by the news that their outhalf Jack Carty has signed a new three-year contract until 2025. The 29-year-old had been the subject of real interest for a couple of Top 14 clubs before signing his current one-year deal and, given he has not played for Ireland since winning the last of his 10 caps at the 2019 World Cup, the province might have feared he would seek pastures new.
However, on the on the back of some excellent displays for Connacht this season, he was called up to the Irish squad last week after Johnny Sexton’s withdrawal due to injury.
The Roscommon native played club and school rugby with Buccaneers RFC and Marist College before graduating from the Connacht Academy. He has made 164 appearances for his home province since his debut over nine years ago and was part of the squad that won the 2015-16 Guinness Pro12 before making his Ireland debut away to Italy in the 2019 Six Nations.
“I’m so thankful and grateful to be able to represent my home province for another three years,” said Carty. “The last 6 months have easily been the most enjoyable part of my career, and in that time I feel I’ve matured as a player, leader and person.
“The staff and my teammates have been incredible and create an environment where you can feel yourself growing daily. It’s easy to stay motivated because of them, even on a wet and windy day training in Galway! The club is represented by people from every pocket of Connacht, Ireland and beyond, but everyone is incredibly proud in representing Connacht and the West.
“From speaking to Willie about the plans for the future, along with seeing first-hand the work of Friendy and the coaches, I’m excited about what lies ahead,” added Carty in reference to the Connacht CEO Willie Ruane and head coach Andy Friend.
“A special thanks to Friendy who goes above and beyond for his players. There is no doubt that this club and squad are in a position to challenge for silverware. I can’t wait to see where the journey takes us over the coming years and I’d like to thank Keith Matthews for his help and guidance. Along with that, I hope to add to my international caps.
“Most importantly, I want to thank my family, friends and loved ones especially Mum, Dad, my sisters Aoife and Deirdre, my brothers Ben and Luke, my brother-in-law Donie and my niece and nephew Juliette and Ted for all the support and love.”
Friend declared Carty’s new contract as “brilliant news for everyone associated with Connacht. Jack is a top-class international outhalf and a crucial player for our squad.
“He has an incredible skillset and excellent game management. He is therefore an extremely important person for us in how we want to play the game.
“Jack has also grown as a leader within our group. He has recently earned the right to be our matchday captain which is testament to his leadership qualities.
“Jack is a very proud Connacht man and loves representing his club, school, province & country. I’m really excited to see him going from strength to strength and committing to us for another next three years.”
