Irish Rugby : Provincial Rugby : News : Two-Year Deal For Connacht's Browne

IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne has issued a statement following confirmation of Ronan O'Gara's decision to retire from playing professional rugby.

Ronan O'Gara's retirement from professional rugby brings to an end an achievement-packed career that saw him dominate matches in Ireland and around the world in the colours of Cork Constitution, Munster, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions.

IRFU provincial and national age grade coaches - Under-18s, Under-19s and Under-20s - and IRFU elite player development staff from the four provinces gathered recently to review their experiences, discuss challenges and align closer to ensure the development of more effective elite players across the IRFU Elite Player Pathway.

Andrew Browne made his debut for the province in 2006/07 season and has gone on to make 84 senior appearances to date.

The 26-year-old from Galway, who is equally adept in the second row or back row, has featured regularly in both positions this season after enduring a frustrating season last term through injury.

A torn Achilles tendon kept him out for all of last year, but he has recovered fully to feature regularly in the Connacht pack this season.

His versatility and attributes in both set piece and open play have seen him develop into a key member of the westerners' squad.

Connacht Chief Executive Tom Sears said: "Andrew has been top quality this season after coming back from serious injury.

"His ability to cover a number of positions is a real asset and he has put in consistently high performances this year in whichever role he has been asked to fill.

"The coaching staff are delighted with his form this season and believe there is more to come from him in the future as his game continues to develop.

"As a locally-born player he has a real affinity to Connacht Rugby and we see the qualities in him to become a vital member of the squad for years to come."