Boyle Graduates From Connacht Academy To Sign First Professional Contract

Connacht Rugby have announced that back rower Paul Boyle has signed his first professional contract with the province. The contract will keep the 21-year-old at the Sportsground up to the end of the 2020/21 season.

Paul Boyle made his Connacht debut away to Munster last season and has gone on to make seven further senior appearances for the westerners so far in the 2018/19 campaign. He is currently in South Africa with the squad preparing for Sunday’s encounter with the Isuzu Southern Kings.

Originally from Gorey in County Wexford, Boyle captained the Ireland Under-20 team at the World Rugby U-20 Championship in Georgia last year. He has been part of the Connacht Academy since 2017.

Announcing the province’s contract news, Connacht head coach Andy Friend said: “Paul Boyle has impressed me hugely this season. He is a big powerful player who shows real maturity both in how he plays the game and how he conducts himself off the field. He will be an important player for us in the coming seasons.”

Boyle added: “I am hugely proud to graduate form the Connacht Academy and sign my first professional contract with the province. I’ve enjoyed the season so far and have been privileged to get the opportunity to contribute when called on.

“It is an exciting time to be part of the Connacht squad and we are extremely ambitious about what we can achieve in the seasons ahead.”