Connacht Rugby will suffer a major blow at the end of the season with the announcement that Mike McCarthy has revealed his intention to transfer at the end of the current campaign. Mike’s contract expires in June next year and, following lengthy negotiations, Mike has decided to join Leinster Rugby. And whilst he will leave with the best wishes of everybody at The Sportsground, Tom Sears, the Chief Executive of Connacht Rugby, has hit out at the East coast province’s ongoing interest in players from the west. “We have been aware of Leinster’s interest in Mike for some time. It is disappointing they have persistently targeted Connacht players in recent years, particularly when often not in the best interest of Irish Rugby.
“We are bitterly disappointed to lose Mike McCarthy, who has been a popular senior member of our squad. While disappointed, particularly given the continued success of Connacht Rugby in recent years, we respect the individual player’s decision and wish Mike every success in his future playing career.”
Connacht Rugby has seen significant success in recent years both on and off the field. With a growing fan-base and record match attendances, Eric Elwood’s side has enjoyed notable victories in the last 12-months over Heineken Cup heavy hitters Biarritz and Harlequins, and over both Leinster and Ulster in the Rabo Pro-12. The arrival of experienced professionals like Dan Parks and Nathan White has assisted the development of a crop of talented indigenous young players but in another replacement needed, Elwood himself has already indicated his intention to step aside as coach at the end of the season.
In a statement, Connacht Rugby has assured it will continue to work with the IRFU to find a world-class replacement for Mike McCarthy and further build and strengthen the squad, with a view to delivering more success for the province.
MEANWHILE Connacht back rower Willie Faloon has been ruled out of the province’s Pool 3 showdown against Biarritz at the Parc des Sports Aguilera on Friday (KO 8pm Irish time Live on Sky Sports 2 Red Button).
Faloon, who suffered a fractured eye socket, is the only player from last weekend’s squad who has been ruled out ahead of the trip to France.
This latest injury setback is softened by the news that forwards George Naoupu and Nathan White, who missed out on last week’s round 3 Heineken Cup clash due to injury, have returned to training and are now available for selection this week.
The Connacht Eagles side have also been boosted up front with the news that both Rodney Ah You and Finlay Bealham have been struck off the injury list and can put their hand up for selection for this weekend when Welsh side Cross Keys come to visit.
Michael Swift returned to light training this week but it is unlikely that they will be ready to feature this Friday night at Parc des Sports Aguilera.
