Dillon Signs for Leinster

15/05/02.Former Ireland Schools and Under 21 International Des Dillon (UCD) has joined Leinster for the coming season on a full provincial contract.

Dillon makes the move from Connacht and also awarded contracts were two players who had outstanding seasons with their clubs – UCD scrumhalf Brian O’Riordan and Blackrock outside centre Gary Brown. Brown was the top try scorer in division one this season, while both O’Riordan and Dillon were hugely influential in UCD’s impressive run in this year’s All-Ireland League, where they narrowly missed out in gaining a place in the play-offs at the end of the season.

Emmet Farrell, who has had a miserable two seasons with cruciate ligament problems, has been offered a training contract by coach Matt Williams while he recovers from his latest injury, and Adam Magro, has again signed for the province.

Leinster also hope to sign an Australian, now playing his club rugby in France, over the next couple of days as cover because of the continuing concern over the fitness of Farrell at outhalf.
Trevor Brennan has been released from his contract and is expected to play his rugby in England next year, most likely with Orrell.

At club level, Terenure College have appointed Kim Thurbon as first team coach. Thurbon moves from Carlow, where he has been for the last three seasons, and has signed a two-year contract He takes over from player/coach Kevin Putt, who recently moved to a coaching job in South Africa with Natal Sharks.