Ireland lock-down Welsh born scrum-half Marmion's future

Ireland scrum-half Kieran Marmion has signed a new contract to keep him at Connacht until the end of the 2019-20 season.

Marmion joined the club’s academy in 2011 and has gone on to make 130 appearances for the senior team, winning the Pro12 title last year.

The 25-year-old pivot has agreed to extend his stay, keeping him at the Sportsground until after the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Connacht chief executive Willie Ruane said: “Kieran has been an outstanding player for us since he joined the Connacht academy in 2011. As a Connacht player he has earned 18 caps for Ireland and we are extremely proud of his achievements for province and country.

“Kieran is ambitious about what Connacht can achieve in the coming years and we are delighted that he has extended his contract with the province.”

Marmion added: “Since joining the Connacht academy I have received great guidance from coaches and management at the province and I am extremely proud of what we have achieved to date.

“As a squad, we are excited about the coming seasons and are working towards bringing more success to the province. With the World Cup in 2019 only around the corner, I hope to be involved in the Irish squad in the years to come.”