By
March 28 2011

Connacht Rugby have today announced the signing of Leinster academy prop Stewart Maguire on a two-year contract.

Monday, 28 March 2011 16:05   

 
Born in Bristol, Maguire went to St. Josephs College in Newport and represented Wales at under 16 and under 18 level while in the Dragons academy.  The 6’5” 130kg tight-head prop joined Leinster two years ago and to date has made 11 appearances for the provinces ‘A’ side, including seven in the British and Irish Cup. Maguire has also represented Ireland at under 20 level and was a member of the side that played in last year’s under 20 world Cup in Argentina, where he played with Connacht trio Eoin Griffin, Tiernan O’Halloran and Denis Buckley.  This season he has also helped his club Old Belvedere challenge for Ulster Bank League honours.

Speaking about his new deal, Maguire commented:

"I am delighted as well as excited to be joining Connacht this summer on a two year deal.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my 2 years at Leinster, where the coaching staff have improved my fitness and level of play enormously, and helped me to be an important part of Ireland U20 side last season. However, I feel that I now need exposure to regular rugby at a higher level, and Connacht's coaching staff convinced me that I can have a big role to play in their match day squad next season".

Connacht Assistant and Forwards Coach Dan McFarland also commented;
“We’re really looking forward to working with Stewart, he has good potential as a scrummager and is a dynamic ball carrier, having played well for the Ireland U20s last season. He has not been able to get senior game-time at Leinster and is coming here with a real point to prove. We believe we can offer him the best possible opportunity to showcase his talents. We are confident he will fit comfortably into our set-up as we build our squad for next season.”

Maguire to join Connacht ranks

Discussion started by Connacht Rugby Supporters (IP Logged), 28/03/2011 18:12

Connacht Rugby Supporters
28/03/2011 18:12

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Borders no.2
28/03/2011 19:00

Good signing. He's the type of player who should be looking for a move West to bring his career forward. Will obviously take a bit of time to get used to playing at a higher level than the B&I Cup but he's the best Irish qualified replacement that we could realistically have got.

We're rarely going to get the finished article player coming to Connacht but he's been involved in a professional setup at Leinster for a couple of years. He has potential and he should have a future at a higher level thats all we can ask.

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jbrowne
28/03/2011 19:35

I like players who have points to prove

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ummm,
28/03/2011 19:40

Glad to get him but I'm worried we're very young and inexperienced at TH. Who else do we have apart from Dave Ah You and Maguire for next year?

Hagan served his apprenticeship behing Morris and that brought him on. It's going to be a different story for next season.

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jbrowne
28/03/2011 21:18

Hmm good point. It's going to be a steep learning curve but I have faith in Dan McFarland and also Robbie Morris is also knocking about still (and long may that continue). Hopefully guys like Brett will step up to the plate.

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Sea_point
29/03/2011 02:12

Actually Hagan has been the lynchpin for us at TH since he arrived, he's played a helluva lot of rugby for a rookie and done well. Between injury and suspension Robbie managed feck all rugby for us since Jamie arrived..

Ah You as the pedigree and physique to make the step up, as long as he puts the work in. Dan will be invaluable to Maguire, and youthful competition with Rodders will fire the both of them on....

===============================================
I see the future, and it's Green again...

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LDTT
29/03/2011 07:58

A great move for both the player and province. A future Irish international in the making.

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lgwt@castlebar
29/03/2011 10:58

Good signing. Fair play to whoever it was who flagged the rumour on these boards over a month ago.

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ummm,
29/03/2011 11:18

Quote:

Sea_Point
Actually Hagan has been the lynchpin for us at TH since he arrived, he's played a helluva lot of rugby for a rookie and done well. Between injury and suspension Robbie managed feck all rugby for us since Jamie arrived..
Ah You as the pedigree and physique to make the step up, as long as he puts the work in. Dan will be invaluable to Maguire, and youthful competition with Rodders will fire the both of them on....

Ah, the old grey cells not doing their job. Could have sworn Hagan was on the bench a lot more. Then again, nobody could be called a 'regular starter' when Bradley was in charge

Still worried though. Two very young THs.

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Sea_point
29/03/2011 12:17

Quote:

ummm,

Quote:

Sea_Point
Actually Hagan has been the lynchpin for us at TH since he arrived, he's played a helluva lot of rugby for a rookie and done well. Between injury and suspension Robbie managed feck all rugby for us since Jamie arrived..
Ah You as the pedigree and physique to make the step up, as long as he puts the work in. Dan will be invaluable to Maguire, and youthful competition with Rodders will fire the both of them on....

Ah, the old grey cells not doing their job. Could have sworn Hagan was on the bench a lot more. Then again, nobody could be called a 'regular starter' when Bradley was in charge

Still worried though. Two very young THs.

Cautiously optimistic is the term....

===============================================
I see the future, and it's Green again...

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YoungBlood
29/03/2011 12:58

Again, great to hear good news on signings. Another hooker still to be found. Does anyone know if Joey Merrigan is still playing with Corinthians and what are his chances (is he good enough these days) of making the step up again after injury hampered him last time.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:03:29:12:58:36 by YoungBlood.

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porterbelly
29/03/2011 14:09

He's still playing afaik but he'd be a step down. We really need to get a good play on board who can contest the no2 jersey. Cronin was a real attacking weapon for us and he'll be sorely missed, so we have to get quality on board.

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