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Connacht Rugby have been dealt a timely boost ahead of this weekend’s Magners League clash against Llanelli Scarlets. 3 of Connacht’s longserving forwards have committed their immediate futures to the province by signing contract extensions.


Ray Ofisa, the 6’0” 95kg Samoan, joined Connacht in 2006 from North Otago (New Zealand). The 30year old flanker has been every present in the Connacht squad since and has made a huge impression on the pitch with his hard-hitting and no-nonsense approach to the game. Ofisa, who’s brother Treviranus also played for Connacht, has been capped by the province 80 times including 57 Magners League appearances and 22 Amlin Challenge Cup games and will remain at The Sportsground until 2012.
“I’m really pleased to extend my time here with Connacht, Galway has become a home away from home and the standard of rugby here is exceptional. To be involved with Connacht for another season allows me to keep testing myself at the highest level possible.”

Adrian Flavin, who signed for Connacht in 2006 from London Irish where he amassed 84 caps, has represented the province 68 times in the Magners League and 23 times in the Amlin Challenge Cup. The former Ireland U19 & U21 hooker was capped twice by Ireland A in 2008 against England and Scotland. Flavin has 94 caps for Connacht to date and captained the side in their historic victory over the Samoan National team in 2010. Adrian has signed a new contract that will see his remain in Connacht until 2013.
“Working under Eric (Elwood) and Dan (McFarland) is both challenging and rewarding and the squad are fantastic to train and play alongside so I’m very happy to commit to the province for the next 2 years. There’s a real sense of belief in the squad and it’s great to be a part of that and the stability of a 2 year contract allows me to focus on training and being the best rugby player I can be.”

Michael Swift is Connacht’s most capped player of all time. He joined Connacht in 2000 from English club Richmond where he made six Premiership and two Challenge Cup appearances. The Hammersmith born second row quickly established himself as a fan favourite in The Sportsground for his immense work rate and dedication. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 119kg, ‘Swifty’ is one of the most physically imposing players in the squad and his record haul of 190 caps for Connacht to date shows no sign of slowing up. In fact Swift is on course to be the first player in Connacht’s history to reach 200 caps. He has signed a one-year deal with the province that will keep him at the Sportsground until 2012.
“I am delighted to extend my contract with Connacht. I have really felt at home here since my move eleven years ago. It is an honour to be Connacht's most capped player. The fans have been terrific during my time here and I hope I can repay their support and continue to serve Connacht as best I can”

Head Coach Eric Elwood said:
“We are very pleased with the re-signing of Swifty, Flav and Ray. They have been great servants to Connacht Rugby and we are delighted they have shown their loyalty to the province by extending their contracts.”

Great to see but I'm surprised after the 1 year contract debacle we've only gone and done the same thing without an IRFU directive wrt Ray and Swifty's contracts.

Ok they're getting on a bit, but Ray has more and a year left in his legs and we don't have much 2nd row cover do we?

Still, some good news is always nice to see

Quote:

ummm,
Great to see but I'm surprised after the 1 year contract debacle we've only gone and done the same thing without an IRFU directive wrt Ray and Swifty's contracts.
Ok they're getting on a bit, but Ray has more and a year left in his legs and we don't have much 2nd row cover do we?

Still, some good news is always nice to see

IMO, Flavin got 2 years because we're looking at him as being the potential successor to Cronin.

Ray got 1 year because he has had alot of injury trouble over the last 2 years and it would be a risk to give him 2 years given our sparse resources.

Swifty got 1 year because at some stage his powers are going to diminish, and with all the rugby he's played over the years it would represent a risk to give him 2 years when he might be on his last legs at the end of next season. We can always add another year to his contract come 2012/2013 if he's up to it, because he's loyal and not going to go anywhere.

This is great to hear about the three lads. Hopefully Ofisa can get a decent run injury free now. As for Swifty he is Connacht true and true so its great to see him still there next season. I am worried though that the way things are shaping up our three biggest signings for next year have already been announced in McCrea, OConnor and Naipou. I'd love to see a few more new lads coming in Munster don't look like they are going to release anyone so maybe Leinster might have a few players. David Kearney looked alright last night. Anyway great news for next season.

Good news to get the lads signed up which helps with some continuity and all 3 add to the squad. I think the length of the contracts is right too.

However moving forward I hope that the role of the 3 lads is primarily as backup. They are all good servants but hopefully we can get a situation where similar to Cronin with Flavin that we can have these lads around to add experience and to come off the replacements bench and start if injuries or internationals callups arise and keep the pressure on 1st team players rather than expecting these lads to be starting week in week out over the course of the season.