Connacht Star Signs New Deal

Connacht flanker John Muldoon has signed a new one-year contract.

The 33-year-old, who has won three caps for Ireland, is in his 13th season at Connacht having made his debut in 2004 and has captained the side for five of those campaigns.

He has made 260 appearances for the province – including 11 of their 15 games this season – and is the highest-capped player in the PRO12 league.

It was very easy for me to sign on with Connacht for another year,” said Muldoon. “I love this place, and I couldn’t imagine playing anywhere else now.

“I’m definitely the ‘old man’ in the squad now that Swifty (Michael Swift) is gone but I don’t feel it. Playing and training with these younger lads just drives me on even further and I’m really enjoying what we’re doing as a squad.

“Connacht has changed immeasurably since I started out but every year we have been building and I’ve just loved being a part of it.

“There have been plenty of highs and lows but those experiences, particularly the lows, just remind me of how far we have come. I’m excited about the rest of the season and the next and I believe we can achieve big things for Connacht.”

Connacht head coach Pat Lam added: “Not only is John one of the most consistent players in terms of his performances, he is a hugely respected individual as our captain.

“After so many years, he continues to demand high standards of himself and of everyone around him.

“With the amount of youth we have coming through, you cannot underestimate the importance of his experience and his character when it comes to helping others understand who and what Connacht stands for.

“He epitomises the ‘Connacht man’ and is a great example to our younger players about what you can achieve with hard work.”