Burke And Porch Renew Contracts With Connacht

Matthew Burke and John Porch are the latest players to renew their contracts with Connacht Rugby.

Ballinrobe man Burke came through the Connacht pathway system, playing for Ballinrobe RFC and Galwegians RFC before joining the Connacht Academy.

The 25-year-old prop made his professional debut in October 2018, and has played 34 times so far for the province.

Porch (27) has been a mainstay in the squad since joining in the summer of 2019, already reaching over half a century of caps and scoring 13 tries.

Prior to joining Connacht he was a member of the Australia Sevens squad where he played under Andy Friend.

Burke has signed a two-year deal with the westerners, with New South Wales native Porch signing on for the 2022/23 season.

Connacht head coach Friend commented: “I’m delighted that John and Matthew have both renewed their contracts with Connacht. They’re two players with very different backgrounds.

“John has been an important member of the squad since moving from Australia in 2019, and Matthew has gone from strength to strength since coming through the ranks as a Ballinrobe man.”

Further announcements on the Connacht squad for next season will be made in the coming days.