Connacht Rugby confirms a number of departing players

Connacht Rugby has confirmed the players who will depart the club at the end of the season.

As previously announced, Ultan Dillane, Sammy Arnold, Abraham Papali’i and Tietie Tuimauga will leave the club at the end of their contracts to play in France, while Matt Healy has announced his retirement from professional rugby.

Centurion Eoghan Masterson will move on after a nine-year spell at the club, as does centre Peter Robb who featured in the 2016 PRO12 Grand Final.

Also leaving the club are Greg McGrath, Jonny Murphy, Ben O’Donnell, Dominic Robertson-McCoy and Peter Sullivan.

Head coach Andy Friend has paid tribute to the departing players. He said: “I’d like to thank all the players who have each contributed to Connacht Rugby in their own way. Comings and goings are part and parcel of professional rugby and I wish them every success in the future.

“As is tradition we will thank them in front of our supporters at the end of our final game of the season against Zebre.”

Connacht Rugby has also confirmed that thus far a 44-man squad has been assembled for the 2022/23 season.