Sean Cronin has agreed a one-year contract extension with Connacht, who finsihed their cmpaing in Pool 2 of the Amlin Challenge Cup as Top Seeds and guaranteed a home 1/4 Final and possible semi-final should they come through against French Top 14 outfit and last season finalists Bourgoin.

Cronin, who recently played his 25th Magners League game for Connacht, has signed a one-year contract extension with the province.

The 23-year-old joined Connacht in the summer of 2008 having spent three years in the Munster Academy and he made his full international debut when introduced against Fiji at the RDS in November.

He also made his mark with Connacht in the Amlin Challenge Cup last month, scoring a crucial try in the away win over Worcester Warriors.

Connacht CEO Gerry Kelly said he was delighted that Cronin had committed to Connacht for another year.

"It is very encouraging to see a young player come here and progress to be a full international inside a year-and-a-half," said Kelly.

It's also good news for whoever picks up the reigns when current Director of Rugby Michael Bradley departs in the summer, retaining current Full & A Internationals for next season will be instrumental in ensuring the strongest possible candidate is recruited and also hopefully ensure that some continuity is maintained going into a new season with a new coach.

It's also a clear signal to young rugby players in the outer squads ofthe other porbvinces and players who have migrated abroad for first team rugby that there is the potential for career development and possible success by taking the road West to Galway.

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