Geesala’s Fiachna Barrett signs pro contract for Connacht
Connacht's Fiachna Barrett has signed his first professional contract. Photo: INPHO/James Crombie
Young Mayo rugby star Fiachna Barrett has taken a big step forward in his journey by signing his first professional contract.
Barrett, a native of Geesala in Erris, has signed a professional contract for the 2026/27 season along with fellow Connacht Academy players Seán Naughton and Matthew Victory.
Barrett is a powerful tighthead prop who has gained significant exposure to the Pro environment in the past 18 months. He made his senior debut against Zebre in December 2024 in the Challenge Cup, and this season has added to that appearance with a further six games off the bench.
Connacht head coach Stuart Lancester welcomed all three on board.
“I’m a firm believer in integration between the Professional and Academy setups, and in Fiachna, Seán and Matthew we have three players who are richly deserving of joining the senior setup from next season. There’s a huge amount of potential in Connacht’s younger players and the three lads in particular have always impressed in training and never looked out of place in the wider senior squad. I know they’ll have benefited hugely from their exposure to some matchday squads in this campaign, and that will stand to them when they take the next step next season,” he said.
There is great delight in Ballina RFC, the club that Barrett came through the ranks at.
"It's a very special day for Fiachna and his family and we're very happy for them. Fiachna came to Heffernan Park as a boy and to see him sign a professional contract with Connacht today is another special step on his great rugby journey,” said Ballina RFC President Daragh Quinn.
"He progressed through the ranks here in Ballina and was part of some great days alongside his friends here in the club. We're very proud of him and look forward to even more adventures in the future.
"A special mention to Fiachna's family who drove him to Heffernan Park for games and training over the years and are such a special part of Ballina Rugby Club.
"I would also like to congratulate all the coaches who worked with Fiachna over his years here in Ballina. Today is a special day for them also.
"We're very proud to see Fiachna, Dave (Heffernan) and Harry (West) in the green of Connacht and take great joy from seeing their progress,” Quinn concluded.
