Limerick Rugby - Garryowen’s Rael will ‘flourish’ at Connacht

EXCITING young Garryowen hooker, James Rael has landed a one-year development contract with Connacht for next season.

The Limerick-born hooker has been with the Munster Academy for the last year, playing his club rugby with the ‘light blues’ having starred for Castletroy College in the Munster Schools Senior Cup.

Twenty one-year-old Rael featured for Ireland U-20s in last summer’s IRB Junior World Cup in South Africa where the team claimed their best ever finish of 5th place. He also competed in last year’s U20 Six Nations campaign.

Rael follows Garryowen prop JP Cooney to the Western province. Cooney recently signed a two year extension with Connacht having move there initially on a one-year development contract last summer.

Both Rael and Cooney will continue to play their club rugby with Garryowen next season when their Connacht commitments allow.

Garryowen head coach, Tom Tierney said he expected the dynamic young hooker to flourish at Connacht.

Tierney said: “It is great to see the progression of these quality young players. James Rael is a star for the future. I am sure he will flourish at Connacht.”

Connacht Rugby Assistant Coach Dan McFarland said: “We are delighted that James will be joining us. He is coming from an environment that has produced a string of talented hookers. James is a talented ball player with a solid set piece game. Connacht will provide the opportunities and support for him to drive on to the next level.”