Connacht Head Coach Friend ups the ante for crucial clash with Gloucester

By Rob Murphy

CONNACHT supporters will try to revel in the moment for a long as possible this week. It’s all sweetness and light for those that follow rugby in the west as their team prepare for a trip to England to take on Gloucester at their famous Kingsholm venue on Sunday (kick off 1pm) in round three of the European Champions Cup.

There are plenty of challenges in the offing and uncertainty is a cornerstone of following a sporting team, but that is all the more reason to take a breath and pause when all is well in your world. Right now, things are better than they have been since the PRO12 title weekend in Edinburgh in 2016. Star players have re-signed, the team are competing at the highest level and the expansion plans at the Sportsground are in place.

Bundee Aki’s three and a half year contract extension is era defining. As a first centrally contracted player (which will have a host of side benefits on and off the field) it is the kind of long term commitment from a key player that just wouldn’t be possible without that international team element.

It sets a tone, one of the most iconic players ever to sign for the province has become a beacon for West of Ireland rugby, and an example of the benefits of bringing world class talent to the region and allowing them to flourish.

Kieran Marmion signed up a week before that, the 27 time capped scrum half is due back within the next week or two once his back injury clears up – he’ll be rearing to go, free of any off field concerns. Jared Butler, Tiernan O’Halloran, Tom Farrell and Sean O’Brien also signed in the past month with more to follow. It all serves to underline the upbeat move.

“It’s brilliant news, real sign of intent from Bundee Aki to sign for such a length and the same from the IRFU as well. It’s a compliment to the man and what he’s done and great for Connacht and the region to have a player of his calibre committing for another three and half years. It’s really positive.” noted head coach Andy Friend at the weekend.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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